Families who show a financial need may qualify for help with their water bills. See if you’re eligible.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Starting Jan. 1, Corpus Christi residents will see new water and wastewater rates reflected on their utility bills. The change was approved by the City Council back in September.
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Corpus Christi Water Interim COO Nick Winkelman says the increase will affect everyone, from the average homeowner to major industries.
“The rates across all customer classes are increasing this year as approved by council during the budget process,” he said.
Winkelman says customers experiencing financial hardship can access the Project One Water Utility Assistance Program, which helps eligible families. But there are specific guidelines.
“Households must meet the SNAP program requirements or the TANF program — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — to be eligible for the criteria,” he said.
Winkelman adds that the program is still in its early stages. As the need grows, he hopes funding sources will grow as well.
“Typically the max is approximately $150, but that will change over time. Hopefully as the program grows and the available funds grow, that will change as well,” he said.
At-large Councilman Roland Barrera acknowledges the strain higher rates can put on residents but emphasizes the increases are tied to long-term improvements to the city’s water system.
“There’s cost associated that escalate. We’re subject to the same inflationary factors as everyone else does. And the thing that is important is that these are longterm assets for 30 years plus,” he said.
Barrera adds that rate changes are not permanent and are part of a system designed to stay flexible over time.
“There’s an adjustment every year and sometimes depending on where the market shifts there may be a component where the rates go down or they remain stable,” he said.