Mary Rhodes Pipeline Project Wins National Award
City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) – Corpus Christi Water (CCW) is proud to announce that the Mary Rhodes Pipeline (MRP) Phase One Condition Assessment Project has been named “Asset Management Project of the Year” at the Underground Infrastructure Conference. The award was presented on Tuesday, March 4, recognizing the City’s commitment to innovative infrastructure management and water security.
The MRP, spanning 101 miles and serving as a critical water delivery system for the City, was selected for this honor over two other distinguished finalists: the Great Lakes Water Authority – WRRF Piping Project by CDM Smith and the St. Petersburg Force Main Inspection by CPM Pipelines and VA Engineering.
HDR Engineering led the project, working with CCW and the Lavaca Navidad River Authority (LNRA). The team utilized cutting-edge technology to evaluate the pipeline’s integrity, including internal assessment tools, aerial drone assessments, corrosivity testing, pump optimization, and real-time monitoring at strategic points along the pipeline route.
“We are extremely thankful to the CCW MRP team that has and continues to protect and maintain this tremendous water supply asset,” said Nicholas Winkelmann, P.E., Director of Water Systems and Support Services.
The MRP reached a significant milestone in the fall of 2024, operating at an increased pumping schedule. This enhancement delivered over two and a half billion gallons of water to Corpus Christi customers, increasing the daily delivery rate from 42 to 55 million gallons per day. CCW is currently working towards implementing an increased pumping schedule, which would provide 75 MGD and is anticipated to be completed by late March 2025.
