Council tables proposal to set 7,000‑gallon residential baseline and 25% water curtailment after hours of public concern

Mayor Paulette M. Cazarez convened a lengthened discussion May 4 after a packed public‑comment period that centered on the city’s drought response and how any usage limits would be enforced. The council heard a presentation from Nick Winkelman, chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water, who said staff recommends a 7,000‑gallon/month residential baseline and a 25% curtailment to create an allocation of 5,250 gallons a month per residential account if the city enters a level‑one water emergency.

Winkelman said the baseline and curtailment are meant to preserve the system’s ability to meet demand while the city brings additional supplies online, and that the proposed approach mirrors the methodology staff used for commercial, multi‑family and wholesale classes. “This allows customers to plan, request a variance if justified, and helps the utility avoid a shortage that could threaten service,” he said.

But councilmembers and dozens of public speakers pressed…