Corpus Christi to hold referendum on industrial water fees

The Corpus Christi City Council has ordered a public referendum on a citizen-led petition known as the Fair Water Amendment. The proposal, which gathered nearly 13,000 signatures, seeks to significantly increase water fees for industrial facilities during periods of drought.

Under the proposed amendment, large-scale water users—including ExxonMobil, Occidental Chemical, and Valero—would face millions of dollars in additional fees if reservoir levels fall below 30 percent capacity. The initiative follows a period of severe water scarcity in the region, where reservoir levels dropped from 30 percent in March 2024 to less than 8 percent in May 2024.

The referendum is expected to face legal challenges before the November election. The movement was driven by community and environmental groups, including the organization For the Greater Good and the Texas Campaign for the Environment.