Corpus Christi water and wastewater rates could add $4.35 a month in 2027

Corpus Christi residents could pay more for water and wastewater service beginning January 1, 2027, if City Council gives final approval to a proposed FY 2027 rate plan.

The city estimates an average combined increase of $4.35 per month for a residential customer. That figure is an average, not a guaranteed increase for every household. Individual bills can vary based on customer class, meter size, water use, location and the applicable rate schedule.

What the council has approved so far

Corpus Christi Water presented the proposal during a City Council workshop on July 16, 2026. The plan covers residential, commercial, wholesale and large-volume customers.

On July 21, the council approved separate water-rate and wastewater-rate ordinances on first reading. The ordinances were scheduled to return for a second and final reading on July 28.

As of the available research record for July 28, final consideration remained the scheduled next step. The proposed rates should not be described as fully adopted unless the council’s final action and ordinance records confirm passage.

What the $4.35 means for households

The city’s estimate combines the proposed water and wastewater changes for an average residential customer. It does not mean every Corpus Christi household will see exactly $4.35 added to its monthly bill.

A household that uses more or less water than the average customer, or that has a different meter configuration or billing arrangement, could see a different change. Commercial, wholesale and large-volume customers also have separate rate schedules, so the residential average cannot be used to estimate their bills.

Why the city is proposing higher rates

Corpus Christi says the adjustments are intended to support the financial stability of the water and wastewater utility, infrastructure work, new water-supply projects, wastewater compliance obligations and long-term water-security planning.

The proposal comes as the city continues planning for dependable water supplies and major utility needs. Those purposes describe planned or ongoing investments; they are not proof that all listed projects or benefits have already been completed.

When the change could begin

If City Council approves both ordinances on final reading, the updated rates are proposed to take effect January 1, 2027. Residents and businesses should look for the final July 28 council record and the adopted rate schedules for the most accurate bill-specific information.

For now, the key distinction is between first-reading approval and final adoption: Corpus Christi has advanced the rate proposal, but the approved record for this report does not confirm whether the scheduled July 28 final vote has passed.

Sources

• City of Corpus Christi rate workshop release
• Corpus Christi City Council agenda, July 21, 2026