Corpus Christi is Borrowing from Peter to Pay Paul

The old adage of Peter and Paul comes from the notion that if you borrow from one person to pay another, in the end, you are right where you started. You can spend time trying to convince Peter to loan you some money or just take the time to save up the money and pay off Paul all together. The first choice just leaves you owing somebody a big wad of cash. The second choice creates independence and sustainability, a debt-free life.

The city of Corpus Christi has a similar decision to make. The city council, and city leaders, must decide how to keep the city’s water supply sufficient for future users. Corpus has two choices, and they are choosing the wrong one.

A recent article reported that Corpus’ water demand is currently 65% of their supply, on an average annual basis. At current growth rates AND assuming the same or similar water usage, the city projects they will need more water by 2027. However, water projections are not cast in stone; they depend on how the water is used. Imagine you had $2000 in your bank account and your bills each month totaled $500. If you are careful with your money, it can last you up to 4 months, but if you don’t spend it wisely it will run out much sooner. Water is the same way. The more you use it, the faster it disappears.

Corpus is planning to build a $165 million pipeline to ship water 40 miles from the Lower Colorado to Lake Texana and then into the city. Seems like a reasonable plan, until you start looking at the details. First of all, Corpus is only using 65% capacity of their current water supply. The Texas Water Development Board recommends 140 Gallons per capita per day (GPCD). Corpus’s current per capita water usage is far beyond the Texas average and their self-imposed conservation goal is to be at 212 GPCD by 2018!!! If Corpus reduced its usage to the recommended amount it would save over 26,000 gallons per capita per year which would greatly extend the capacity available to accommodate growth.

Another puzzler is the city’s agreement to provide the proposed Las Brisas coal plant with billions of gallons of water. This decision would mean that the need to find new supply would come 7 years sooner. So, instead of implementing cost saving conservation measures OR asking Las Brisas to use water saving cooling technology OR telling them to look elsewhere for water, the city has decided to borrow money from the state to build a pipeline and ask their citizens to pay for it. This doesn’t even take into consideration all the power it will take to move the water 40 miles.

It sounds to me like Corpus Christi wants to borrow some water from 40 miles away to give its own water to Las Brisas, and in the process it’s going to stick the city with a $165 million bill. Who are they going to borrow from to pay that bill?

Amy Hardberger, Attorney
Environmental Defense Fund

This entry was posted in Energy Efficiency, Texas. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

45 Comments

  1. Posted April 5, 2010 at 9:43 am | Permalink

    I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.

  2. Posted April 14, 2010 at 12:48 pm | Permalink

    I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the latest stuff you post.

  3. Posted April 23, 2010 at 5:21 pm | Permalink

    I enjoy visiting daily to see your thoughts. I have your page bookmarked on my favorite read list!

  4. Posted April 25, 2010 at 3:37 am | Permalink

    Great post thanks!

  5. Posted April 28, 2010 at 10:15 am | Permalink

    I am compairing this article with another one I have read before and this one makes a lot more sense.

  6. Posted May 3, 2010 at 11:04 pm | Permalink

    Great post thx a lot !

  7. Posted May 6, 2010 at 11:40 am | Permalink

    He that eats till he is sick must fast till he is well.

  8. Posted May 6, 2010 at 4:31 pm | Permalink

    Really good site, where did you come up with the information in this write-up? I’m happy I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.

  9. Posted May 6, 2010 at 9:15 pm | Permalink

    As always when you are involved with politics, their will be those that our only out for the interest of those that have the most to gain, economically, financially and in their best interest. Thanks for the heads up and well be looking forward to more updates.

  10. Posted May 9, 2010 at 2:14 pm | Permalink

    You guys always deliver useful content. Awesome post. Very interesting and valuable videos. Keep posting more articles. Thanks for sharing useful info.

  11. Posted May 10, 2010 at 7:04 pm | Permalink
  12. Posted May 14, 2010 at 10:26 pm | Permalink

    Texas gulf coast WATERFRONT real estate now selling for 70% off!! Owner financing available on selected inventory. If you have ever wanted to own real estate on the Texas gulf coast, this is your chance. Prices have never been lower but they wont stay like this forever. Save over $230,000 on a waterfront homesite on the Texas gulf coast. Gated community featuring Clubhouse with lagoon style pool, Basketball court, Sandy beach, Walking trails, Tennis courts, Pocket parks for adults and children, Mail center, Marina and marina building, boat ramp and 3 types of slips, Boat and RV storage. Don’t let this pass you by! The Sanctuary at Costa Grande in Port O’Connor Texas.

  13. Posted May 15, 2010 at 8:31 pm | Permalink

    I found your site via google thanks for the post. I will bookmark it for future reference. Thanks Stock Forums

  14. Posted May 22, 2010 at 5:40 am | Permalink

    Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.

  15. Posted May 23, 2010 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    Good Post. I tried to pay off my debt but at 30% it was never going to happen check out How to get out of Debt make sure you dont get scammed.

  16. Posted May 26, 2010 at 1:58 am | Permalink

    Excellent post & Wonderful blog! I would love to get started in a blog too but I don’t know where to start. I know I have the abilities to do it (not that hard on the technical part) but I feel like I am too lazy to post regularly… That is definitely the matter, when you get started you have to go all the way…

  17. Posted May 26, 2010 at 9:05 am | Permalink

    This is a good post, but I was wondering how do I suscribe to the RSS feed?

  18. Posted May 29, 2010 at 12:16 am | Permalink

    Interesting post and I really like your take on the issue. I now have a clear idea on what this matter is all about. Thank you so much.

  19. Posted June 2, 2010 at 9:47 am | Permalink

    Very intereresting reading. thx

  20. Posted June 2, 2010 at 10:10 am | Permalink

    Thank you for the info. It sounds pretty user friendly. I guess I’ll pick one up for fun. thank u

  21. Posted June 2, 2010 at 11:18 am | Permalink

    Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

  22. Posted June 2, 2010 at 9:33 pm | Permalink

    Pretty insightful post. Never thought that it was this simple after all. I had spent a good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this subject clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Kudos to you! Keep it up

  23. Posted June 2, 2010 at 10:37 pm | Permalink

    I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work.

  24. Posted June 3, 2010 at 4:01 am | Permalink

    I read your articles and get a lot of info that I never know before. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about!

  25. Posted June 3, 2010 at 4:06 am | Permalink

    Very nice and helpful information has been given in this article. I like the way you explain the things. Keep posting. Thanks. . .

  26. Posted June 3, 2010 at 8:37 am | Permalink

    How-do-you-do, just needed you to know I have added your site to my Google bookmarks because of your extraordinary blog layout. But seriously, I think your site has one of the freshest theme I’ve came across. It really helps make reading your blog a lot easier.

  27. Posted June 5, 2010 at 1:55 am | Permalink

    my God, i thought you were going to chip in with some decisive insght at the end there, not leave it

  28. Posted June 6, 2010 at 10:50 pm | Permalink

    you are professional.

  29. Posted June 7, 2010 at 11:11 am | Permalink

    3M Scotch Long-Mask Masking Tape measures 3/4-inch by 60 yard roll and is ideal for long term masking projects when tape must be left on for up to a week. It removes cleanly and easily for up to seven days without leaving adhesive residue. This tape can also be used on most previously painted surfaces, including painted wallboard. 3M’s wide range of masking tapes lets you select the right tape for the right job and get professional results every time. Whether the job calls for a tape with low, medium or high adhesion, the 3M line delivers the performance you can rely on for quality workmanship.

  30. Posted June 7, 2010 at 8:23 pm | Permalink

    been a typo, Your blog looks good. Have a nice day.

  31. Posted June 8, 2010 at 10:43 am | Permalink

    I admire ur job!

  32. Posted June 8, 2010 at 2:10 pm | Permalink

    great post thanks, follow me on twitter everyone i follow back http://twitter.com/gr8p

  33. Posted June 8, 2010 at 2:31 pm | Permalink

    Great blog post.Really looking forward to read more.

  34. Posted June 9, 2010 at 2:45 am | Permalink

    This is a very important post, I was looking for this info. Just so you know I discovered your web site when I was searching for blogs like mine, so please check out my site sometime and leave me a comment to let me know what you think.chanel handbags

  35. Posted June 9, 2010 at 3:49 am | Permalink

    Nice post! GA is also my biggest earning. However, it’s not a much.

  36. Posted June 9, 2010 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

    Just want to say what a great blog you got here!

  37. Posted June 11, 2010 at 7:03 am | Permalink

    Very intereresting reading. thx

  38. Posted June 11, 2010 at 3:28 pm | Permalink

    Hi there, awesome site. I thought the topics you posted on were very interesting. I tried to add your RSS to my feed reader and it a few. take a look at it, hopefully I can add you and follow.

  39. Posted June 12, 2010 at 3:42 pm | Permalink

    Thanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again

  40. Posted June 12, 2010 at 10:35 pm | Permalink

    Every one acknowledges that modern life seems to be high priced, but some people need money for different things and not every man earns enough cash. Hence to get fast loans or just collateral loan should be good solution.

  41. Posted June 13, 2010 at 2:28 am | Permalink

    Hi there, awesome site. I thought the topics you posted on were very interesting

  42. Posted June 17, 2010 at 11:10 am | Permalink

    Wonderful ! very good info. keep it up.Hello there. Great job. I did not expect this on a Wednesday morning. This is a great post. Thanks!

  43. Posted June 19, 2010 at 3:22 pm | Permalink

    Great tips to get traffic. Well done :)

  44. Posted June 19, 2010 at 4:57 pm | Permalink

    Im happy I located this blog page, I couldnt obtain any info on this subject prior to. I also run a site and if you want to ever interested in doing a bit of visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, i’m always look for people to check out my blog. Please stop by and leave a comment sometime!

  45. Posted June 20, 2010 at 7:04 pm | Permalink

    what an amazing post that I have ever come through. It gives the information that I was really searching for the past week and I am really satisfied with this post. Need more like this. Thank you.