Corpus Christi city manager proposes changes to the drought contingency plan, including higher water use baselines and surcharges for overuse, pending council approval.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — During the water briefing, Corpus Christi city manager rolled out a few changes to the city’s drought contingency plan that city council will vote on next Tuesday.
Zanoni said the plan will always keep its focus on residential customers. That’s why the city is recommending these changes especially raising the amount of water customers can use.
Officials said the average customer uses about 4,500 gallons a month while nearly 30% of customers go over 5,250 gallons.
“We are going to recommend moving the baseline up for residential customers from what was 7000 to 8000 gallons per month. When you apply that 25% curtailment. The allocation for residential customers will move from 5250 to 6000,” Zanoni said. “We know that most of our customers use less than 6000, but this will help those that use more uh to be within that allocation amount.”
Another change to the plan involves surcharges. Zanoni said the city is considering charging higher fees to customers who use large amounts of water. So instead of issuing fines, residential customers who go over the limit would pay a surcharge instead.
“For residential customers we increase the baseline, which increases the allocation. No fines for going over the allocation, no turnoff notices or even issues if they go over the allocation. Surcharges would be more of a tool, and they would be applied based on the allocation. And would double if you go for the baseline, right? And then we’re gonna work with industry to see if we can get consensus on charging surcharges even if you have the drought exemption fee,” Zanoni said.
As for the city’s pools, Zanoni said it’s recommended the pool hours stay the same. Instead, each pool would be fitted with a cover to help save water.
On Tuesday, May 12, that is when the proposed changes will be presented to city council to vote.