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WHY Does the Coastal Bend Need Seawater Desalination?

Corpus Christi's recent decision to enact Stage 3 Drought Restrictions for the first time offers a stark reminder that large portions of the state -- especially counties in south central and western Texas -- continue to feel the impacts of a drought severe enough that 76 counties in Texas have been identified as part of a disaster declaration by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Unfortunately, experts say there does not appear to be a quick end to what has been a long, sustained period of exceptionally dry conditions. For now, this seems to be the "new normal" for many Texans.

The Desalination Solution

Corpus Christi has taken bold steps to secure a reliable, drought-proof source of water. After thoroughly researching numerous options, the city is moving forward with plans to build Texas' first seawater desalination plant along the community's Inner Harbor. The city has signed a contract with Kiewit, a leading U.S.-based construction and engineering firm, to design and construct the plant.​

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When fully operational in 2028, this high-tech facility will supply up to 30 million gallons of clean water daily. The plant, which is the lowest-cost option of all those considered, will significantly reduce Corpus Christi's reliance on surface water and provide a reliable, drought-free source of water to the community for generations to come.

Glasses of Water

The Critical Need
for Water

Communities need water to grow and thrive, and large swaths of the Southwest U.S. continue to live under historically dry conditions. The importance of water is undeniable and, as current conditions show, it is a critical resource that must be managed with great care.
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Relying on Mother Nature to consistently provide enough rainwater to keep up with demand is no longer a viable solution for many cities throughout Texas. This is especially the case for Corpus Christi when considering the prolonged drought and its impact on the surface-fed watershed the region relies upon for water.

Looking to the Future

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Doing nothing and waiting for more rain to fill rivers and reservoirs is not an option, and delays only worsen the problem. Seawater desalination offers the community a responsible, cost-effective solution that is reliable and drought-proof. While it will help alleviate water supply issues over the short-term, it also provides a long-term solution that ensures future generations in the Coastal Bend will have the water needed for continued prosperity.

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Being one of the first to implement an innovative solution does not always offer the easiest path, but when this new facility is operational, it will serve as an example for other communities in Texas and beyond that are dealing with water scarcity issues.

Image by Natilyn Hicks Photography

Environmental Protection

The Gulf and wildlife that inhabit its waters are important to Coastal Bend residents, so great care is being taken to be environmentally responsible. This is being accomplished by:

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  • Utilizing current science and data

  • Meeting all requirements set forth by the State of Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Learning from similar facilities worldwide

  • Ensuring the project is safe for aquatic life

  • Minimizing impact on existing waterways and beaches where people live and play

Image by American Public Power Association

Additional Benefits

The new desalination plant will provide multiple advantages:

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  • Reduced reliance on the city's only water treatment plant

  • Improvements to the local power grid needed for the new facility

  • Increased overall capacity for the water system

  • Creation of approximately 3,500 construction-related jobs over the next few years

Image by Joshua J. Cotten

Regional Impact

Corpus Christi Water is responsible for supplying water to more than 500,000 people, as well as institutions and businesses, in seven counties in the Coastal Bend region. Adding this amount of clean, fresh water to the system daily is significant. Surface water from the Nueces, Lavaca Navidad and Colorado rivers and related reservoirs will still be important and utilized. However, the addition of a high-capacity seawater desalination plant using proven technology that consistently generates millions of gallons of clean, drinkable water will positively counteract the impacts that droughts are having on the current system.

Image by J

Economic & Environmental Considerations

The potential negative ripple effects to the local, state and national economies created by a water-starved Corpus Christi cannot be overstated. The project is being implemented in a cost-effective, sustainable manner that ensures a resilient water supply for years to come, while avoiding significant rate increases for ratepayers. The location of the plant allows utilization of existing water system infrastructure, eliminating the need for new piping that other alternatives would have required.

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© 2024 by City of Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi Water

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