Texas bets big on desalination: A bold move to secure water for the future
By willowt // 2025-03-12
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  • Texas is tackling drought, population growth and industrial expansion by building the nation’s largest desalination plant near Corpus Christi. This project, led by the Nueces River Authority (NRA), aims to ensure long-term water security, with the Harbor Island facility initially producing 100 million gallons per day (Mgpd) and potential expansion to 450 Mgpd by 2070.
  • Texas faces a 9% increase in water demand over the next 50 years, while existing supplies are expected to drop by 18%. Prolonged megadroughts and critically low reservoir levels (e.g., Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir at 17.9% capacity) underscore the urgency for innovative solutions like desalination.
  • Texas is leveraging public-private partnerships to fund and operate desalination projects. For example, the Seven Seas Water Group financed a plant in Alice, Texas, reducing municipal costs. The NRA plans a similar model for the Harbor Island project, with private companies managing operations until debt repayment.
  • The Harbor Island facility will minimize environmental impact by discharging brine into deep Gulf waters and exploring brine mineral extraction. Desalination provides a drought-proof water source, with treated wastewater contributing to streamflow in drought-affected regions like the Frio and Nueces Rivers.
  • Beyond Corpus Christi, Texas is advancing desalination projects in McAllen, Brownsville and Port Isabel, supported by state and federal funding. These efforts, combined with the Texas Water Development Board’s SWIFT program, highlight the state’s leadership in diversifying water resources and setting a national example for addressing water scarcity.
As the Lone Star State continues to grapple with drought, population growth and industrial expansion, Texas is doubling down on a bold solution: desalination. With plans for the nation’s largest desalination plant off Harbor Island near Corpus Christi, Texas is positioning itself as a leader in water innovation. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Nueces River Authority (NRA), is part of a broader strategy to ensure water security for decades to come.

A growing need for water innovation

Texas is no stranger to water challenges. The state’s population is booming, with projections showing water demands increasing by 9% over the next 50 years. At the same time, existing water supplies are expected to decline by 18%. Add to that the specter of prolonged “megadroughts,” as predicted by NASA in 2015, and the urgency becomes clear. Nueces River Authority Executive Director John Byrum underscores the gravity of the situation: “Lake Corpus Christi and the Choke Canyon Reservoir, which service south central Texas, are currently at 17.9% of their combined capacity.” This stark reality has driven the NRA to pursue a groundbreaking desalination project that could transform the region’s water landscape. The planned Harbor Island facility will initially produce 100 million gallons per day (Mgpd), making it twice the size of California’s Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, currently the largest in the U.S. With potential expansions, the plant could reach a staggering 450 Mgpd by 2070, rivaling the world’s largest desalination facilities.

Public-private partnerships: A Texas-sized solution

One of the most innovative aspects of Texas’ desalination push is its reliance on public-private partnerships. This model, already proven successful in Alice, Texas, allows municipalities to share the financial burden and operational risks with private companies. In Alice, the Seven Seas Water Group financed the city’s desalination plant, reducing costs for the city while ensuring the project’s completion. After 15 years, the city will assume ownership of the facility. The NRA plans to follow a similar approach for its Harbor Island project, with a private company building and operating the plant until the debt is repaid. “This is a win-win for everyone,” Byrum said. “The private sector brings expertise and capital, while the public sector ensures the water reaches those who need it most.”

Environmental and economic benefits

Desalination is not without its critics, who often point to the environmental impact of brine disposal and the energy-intensive nature of the process. However, Texas is addressing these concerns head-on. The NRA’s Harbor Island facility will discharge brine into deep Gulf waters, minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, there’s potential to “mine” the brine for valuable minerals, turning a waste product into a resource. Moreover, desalinated water offers a unique advantage: it’s drought-proof. Unlike traditional water sources, which are vulnerable to climate variability, desalination provides a reliable supply. As Byrum notes, “This ‘new water’ is processed through wastewater treatment after use, adding to streamflow in south central Texas’ parched Frio and Nueces Rivers.”

A statewide movement

Texas’ desalination efforts extend far beyond Corpus Christi. In McAllen, the city is moving forward with a 180−200 million brackish water desalination plant, funded in part by a 10 million federal grant. Mark Vega, General Manager for McAllen Public Utility, emphasizes the urgency: “If we fast forward five years from now, and we are in a worse drought and we did nothing five years ago, which is now, we will regret that.” Meanwhile, the Southmost Regional Water Authority in Brownsville is doubling its desalination capacity to 20 Mgpd, while the Laguna Madre Water District is building a 10 Mgpd seawater desalination plant in Port Isabel. These projects, supported by the Texas Water Development Board’s SWIFT program, highlight the state’s commitment to diversifying its water portfolio.

A model for the nation

Texas’ embrace of desalination is a testament to its pioneering spirit. By leveraging public-private partnerships, investing in cutting-edge technology and addressing environmental concerns, the state is setting a standard for water innovation. As Texas continues to grow, its success in desalination could serve as a blueprint for other states facing similar challenges. In the words of John Byrum, “This isn’t just about today—it’s about securing water for future generations.” In a world where water scarcity is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, Texas is proving that with ingenuity and determination, even the driest regions can thrive. The Lone Star State’s bold bet on desalination is a reminder that when it comes to securing our most vital resource, bigger really is better. Sources include: WattUpWithThat.com ValleyCentral.com Comptroller.Texas.gov
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