Corpus Christi Council Approves Industrial Water Rate Referendum

The Corpus Christi City Council voted 6-2 to place the Fair Water Amendment on the November ballot following a citizen-led petition drive. The proposal seeks to impose steep water rate increases on the city's largest industrial users, including Valero, ExxonMobil, and Occidental Chemical, during periods of drought. Specifically, the amendment proposes rate hikes of 70% when reservoirs fall below 30% capacity, 140% below 20%, and 280% during a declared water emergency.

The measure follows a severe water crisis in May 2026 that saw reservoir levels drop below 8%. Community groups, including For the Greater Good and the Texas Campaign for the Environment, secured nearly 13,000 signatures to force the referendum. Council member Gil Hernandez voted for the referendum despite opposing the surcharge, stating he would not perform acrobatic acts to make the amendment fit a climate change narrative.

City Manager Peter Zanoni and legal counsel warned that the measure could trigger lawsuits. Zanoni argued that the city lacks the authority to set rates for industrial users who purchase water through third-party intermediaries, noting that such entities do not report to the City Council.