On Tuesday, professionals from Kiewit, Freeze Nichols, and the City of Corpus Christi gathered for a team-building session focused on the timely completion of the Harbor Desalination Plant Project. This significant infrastructure development promises to increase the city’s long-term water supply—but for many residents, the focus is shifting from construction timelines to what the project will cost them.
Water Bills to Surge Starting in 2029
According to a graph shared by the City of Corpus Christi with 3NEWS, all water customers—both residential and industrial—will start seeing increased bills in 2029 as desalination costs kick in. The average household will see a minimum monthly increase of $9. At the same time, one primary industrial user will pay over $400,000 more each month.
This looming price spike has left many residents concerned about affordability and long-term financial impact.
Council Members Raise Concerns Over Long-Term Costs
City Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn expressed skepticism about the projected $9 monthly increase. He warned that rates could climb even higher over time.
“There is no way your rates will only go up nine dollars. I guarantee those rates—they’re saying 25%? Do the math. They’re going to go up every year,” Vaughn stated.
Her comments reflect growing public anxiety that this is just the beginning of a series of rate hikes related to the new desalination infrastructure.
Why Not Charge the Industry More?
Harbor Desalination Project rate concerns prompted Corpus Christi Water’s Chief Operating Officer, Drew Molly, to ask why the city couldn’t reduce the burden on residential customers by charging industrial users more. Molly explained that overcharging any customer—industrial or otherwise—would trigger challenges from the Public Utility Commission, the oversight body responsible for reviewing and approving rate structures.
This regulatory framework limits the city’s flexibility in distributing the costs associated with the Harbor Desalination Project among different user groups.
Historical Context for Water Rate Increases
Councilman Roland Barrera attempted to put the potential $9 hike in perspective by referencing past water infrastructure investments.
“The city raised rates by 25% when it built the Mary Rhodes pipeline and increased them another 25% when it constructed Mary Rhodes Two,” Barrera noted. “This $9 increase you and I will pay for the new infrastructure amounts to about a 25% hike.”
Although the figure sounds alarming, Barrera framed it as consistent with previous projects aimed at securing Corpus Christi’s water future.
Looking Ahead
As Corpus Christi pushes forward with desalination, the city must balance essential infrastructure needs with public affordability. With rate increases, transparency, clear communication, and public input will be vital to maintaining trust and managing expectations.