CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi resuming water shut-offs at homes and businesses that are behind on their bills has some residents upset.
“I’m appalled that anybody would take steps to cut off people’s water," Roberto Gonzalez said.
A statewide water disconnection moratorium expired in June, but the city maintained the policy until the end of the year.
This week marked the first round of shut-offs since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March.
Around 300 homes are set for disconnection, but water utilities leaders expect the actual number to be much lower as people either pay their delinquent bills or set-up payment plans.
“So many of our customers will call-in or make payments," Assistant Director for Business and Customer Support for Water Utilities Reba George said. "So, there won't be a mass of people getting their water turned off this week.”
Some disconnections will still happen, and amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and all of its financial hardships, that does not sit well with some folks.
“I don’t think they should shut off their water,” Corpus Christi resident Gloria Flores said.
“I don’t think so either," Flores's friend Marty Reyes said. "I think they should do an extension of some sort until they can afford it.”
