Thousands behind on water bills in Corpus Christi as leaders consider major changes

Proposed reforms could reduce reconnect payments and eliminate fees for some residents

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —

As water bills continue rising in Corpus Christi, some city leaders are looking for ways to help seniors and disabled veterans avoid shutoff’s and keep water flowing to their homes.

Residential water and wastewater bills increased by nearly nine dollars a month at the start of the year. Additional rate hikes are expected over the next five years to help fund infrastructure improvements and the proposed desalination plant.

For many residents living on fixed incomes, city leaders say the increases are becoming harder to manage.

“We all have bills, right, Mr. Michael? We all have bills, but sometimes we have to limit our budget when we get our SS check,” said senior citizen Viola Flores.

Several city council members are now discussing ways to reduce the burden for customers who fall behind on payments. One proposal would lower the amount required to reconnect water service after a shutoff.

“We’re trying to make that 50% go down to at least 10%, because Water is not a want, it is a need, and our seniors and our veterans should not live without water,” said Councilman Eric Cantu.

Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn says she would support eliminating reconnection fees entirely.

“I would just do away with a fee. If it were me, I would say OK, pay your water bill and give them certain payments that they can pay, because if they don’t have the money to pay the bill, why would they have the money to pay a fee?” Vaughn said.

Mayor Paulette Guajardo says she is also working on a separate utility assistance program to help residents struggling with rising costs.

“I am working on something right now where we are going to create a utility assistance program, and I can’t tell you too much about it right now, but more is coming,” Guajardo said.

Council member Roland Barrera says the city already offers some utility assistance programs, but with more than 10,000 delinquent accounts, council members say additional help may be needed.

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