Frequently Asked Questions

The four surface water sources secured by Corpus Christi Water are solely dependent on rainfall and purified at a single water treatment facility. As the Coastal Bend’s water needs grow, so does the need for expanded treatment facilities and a more reliable, drought-resistant water resource. A diversified water portfolio makes Corpus Christi Water and the region’s water supply even more dependable.

Corpus Christi Water has researched several water sources, including effluent reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, groundwater, and seawater desalination. Each surface water source is finite and requires further treatment before distribution to customers, therefore adding to O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Facility volumes. The only drought-proof solution is seawater desalination, which produces water that can be treated and distributed to customers from the proposed Inner Harbor and/or La Quinta site(s).

The proposed site locations were chosen ahead of 21 others because of their proximity to critical infrastructure including 138kv power lines and proximity to seawater in areas where naturally occurring water exchange allows Corpus Christi Water to be environmentally responsible.

The City of Corpus Christi is pursuing two seawater desalination facilities (Inner Harbor and La Quinta) with a combined, maximum capacity of 70 million gallons per day when both locations are in full production.

Corpus Christi Water has implemented a Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee for its large water customers to secure another water source, which will help pay for the proposed seawater desalination facilities. Alongside these funds, Corpus Christi Water has applied to the Texas Water Development Board and received low-interest loans. Corpus Christi Water continues its commitment to affordability for the rate payer by applying for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation grants, as well as searching for other opportunities to partner with federal and state programs for water security funds.

Our professional team has engaged with world-renowned water experts in seawater desalination to ensure environmental responsibility and negligible impact on aquatic bio-habitat. Professional reports from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas General Land Office, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Water Development Board and over 100 references from Freese and Nichols and Water Globe Consulting have guided the City of Corpus Christi’s modeling.

Yes, the City of Corpus Christi was the first city in the state of Texas to create a drought contingency plan, which also includes a water conservation plan and lists recommendations for all users.  The plan is updated every five years or as needed.