“Usage for the month and you’ll see a number, one number. Might be a number 2 and that would denote 2,000 gallons,” said Corpus Christi Water COO Nick Winklemann.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As water restrictions continue across Corpus Christi, some residents are asking a basic question: how do you even read your water bill?

While paying bills isn’t always enjoyable, city officials say understanding what you’re being charged for doesn’t have to be confusing.

“That bill includes water, wastewater, solid waste and there’s a storm water fee,” said Corpus Christi Water COO Nick Winklemann, describing what customers typically see when they open their bill.


How to read your bill

If you go to the city’s website and scroll down, you’ll find an option to pay your bill. After logging in with your username and password, you can view an itemized breakdown of charges, along with your monthly usage.

“Usage for the month and you’ll see a number, one number. Might be a number 2 and that would denote 2,000 gallons,” he said.


Why it matters right now

3NEWS spoke with residents Kimberly and Taylor, who say understanding water usage is especially important during ongoing conservation efforts.

“I see what our usage is and I try to decrease it. To someone who’s concerned about and who’s really doing their part to conserve, yeah it matters,” Kimberly said.

Winklemann said conservation remains critical as the city looks ahead.

On Tuesday, City Council discussed the possibility of a Level 1 water emergency projected for September,  a move that would introduce water allocations.

“The recommended for Corpus Christi residential customer would be five thousand two-hundred and fifty gallons per month,” he said.

While the city is recommending customers scale back, some residents say individual efforts can only make so much impact.

“As a resident we can definitely do what we can but it comes down to the city officials and to really get this error back on track,” she said.

Winklemann said anyone with questions about their bill can visit the city’s website or call 311 for more information.