How much water will be the starting point for deductions under curtailment may be determined May 12, according to officials — two weeks after it was first thought that the Corpus Christi City Council may make a decision.
The amount, referenced by officials as a baseline, is intended to be a starting point for a yet-chosen percentage of reduction, should the city enter into a water emergency.
A water emergency would be called when it is projected the city is within six months of its dwindling water supply falling short of meeting its customer demand.
That is currently projected to begin in September.
It had initially been planned that the council would vote on water use baselines April 28, but the item was tabled after a two-hour volley of questions.
Although the percentage of curtailment would be applied across the board — industrial, wholesaler, residential and commercial customers — the baseline could arguably be just as consequential.
The most recent recommendation by staff for curtailment was 25%.
Officials have recommended a uniform baseline for residential customers of 7,000 gallons of water usage per month. Under 25% curtailment, it would equal an allotment of about 5,200 gallons per month.
About 70% of residential accounts are below the recommended baseline, according to Nick Winkelmann, chief operating officer of Corpus Christi Water.
Under the staff’s proposal, there would not be blanket baselines for other customer categories — the baselines of industrial, commercial and wholesale customers would be individualized.
It was unclear as of late April 29 whether the staff may revise its recommendations in the May 12 meeting.
The City Council is also expected in the coming weeks to make decisions on curtailment percentages, enforcement measures and potential surcharges.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Decisions on water use cuts delayed by Corpus Christi City Council
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
