Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee
Summary
Our main water source, Lake Corpus Christi, is at a historic low because of the drought. The city is bracing for potential water shortages, so it's time to start cutting back on water use.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
The fee generates about $6 million per year, which is used to cover debt service on water projects.
The city benefits from a dedicated funding source for long-term water supply security.
Large volume water users if surcharges are increased.
Mentions & discussions (13)
Pause on water releases from Lake Corpus Christi allowed to continue
Pause on water releases from Lake Corpus Christi allowed to continue Corpus Christi Caller-Times
TCEQ to decide Wednesday whether to uphold emergency order pausing Corpus Christi reservoir releases
TCEQ to decide Wednesday whether to uphold emergency order pausing Corpus Christi reservoir releases kristv.com
Corpus Christi Drought Pushes Up Borrowing Costs for City’s Debt
Corpus Christi Drought Pushes Up Borrowing Costs for City’s Debt Bloomberg.com
City Council (Work) - Jul 16, 2026
Large water users pay a voluntary fee to help fund new water sources. This money is currently being used to pay off debt for water projects.
Corpus Christi neighbors demand urgent state help following wave of drought disaster filings
Corpus Christi neighbors demand urgent state help following wave of drought disaster filings FOX 26 Houston
Texas coastal city faces worsening water shortage due to prolonged drought
Texas coastal city faces worsening water shortage due to prolonged drought NPR
Years of Drought Has Major Energy Port of Corpus Christi, Texas, Wrestling with Water Crisis
Years of Drought Has Major Energy Port of Corpus Christi, Texas, Wrestling with Water Crisis The Restored Church of God
Drought Concerns Expand In Corpus Christi And The US
Drought Concerns Expand In Corpus Christi And The US The Weather Channel
City Council (Work) - Apr 21, 2026
The city is discussing its plan to manage water during droughts. This involves setting rules for how much water people can use, potentially increasing fees during dry spells, and enforcing restrictions to conserve water.
City Council (Work) - Mar 31, 2026
The city is discussing its Drought Contingency Plan, which sets rules for water use during dry spells. This plan affects how much water residents and businesses can use, and could involve restrictions and higher costs to conserve water and ensure supply meets demand.
City Council - Mar 24, 2026
The council discussed the city's water challenges, including updating the Drought Contingency Plan and exploring new water sources and agreements.
Lake Corpus Christi at record low: city prepares amidst drought concerns
Lake Corpus Christi at record low: city prepares amidst drought concerns kiiitv.com
City Council - Jan 27, 2026
Residents expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Stage 3 drought restrictions and the fairness of exemption fees versus surcharges for large water users.
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