Climate Change Drives Rising Water Costs in Corpus Christi, Texas
The city of Corpus Christi, Texas, is grappling with severe water shortages as reservoirs supplying the area have dropped to just 10% of their full capacity. Entering its fourth year of drought, the city faces the possibility of running out of water within months. To address this crisis, officials have approved nearly $500 million in spending to develop new water sources, including a groundwater project. However, this has led to a significant increase in water rates, with residents expected to see their bills double in the coming years. Across the United States, climate change is intensifying weather extremes, such as droughts and storms, which are straining water utilities and driving up costs. Between 1998 and 2020, the average cost of water services rose more than twice as fast as inflation, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 
