City of Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) – Corpus Christi City Council approved a second reading of five agenda items relating to the construction, power security, and funding for the Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination Treatment Plant. The progressive-design-build construction delivery project will be the first seawater desalination treatment plant for municipal use in Texas.

Today’s actions ensure the lowest cost for Corpus Christi Water (CCW) customers (residential, commercial, industrial, and contracts) to have a new drought-proof water supply.

A pilot study for the Inner Harbor Seawater Treatment Plant will begin this year. Testing for the water produced will take place once the pilot is online.

“Today, the City Council moved forward with an uninterruptible, drought-proof source of water for our residents and the region. Given our area’s critical water scarcity, we must continue to prioritize establishing water resilience. Today’s vote ensures a long-term water solution for our families and our economic future,” Mayor Guajardo said.

The City of Corpus Christi received a water rights permit in 2022 and a draft discharge permit in 2023 for the Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination Treatment Plant.

Low-interest loans were obtained from the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) for this project in 2017 and from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) in 2020. CCW will compete for another source of funds from SWIFT and a federal grant from the United States Bureau of Reclamation.