City Council Revisits Water Options
Corpus Christi explores treated wastewater as a new solution to ease the city’s persistent water shortage. On Sept. 9, the City Council reviewed a proposal to redirect up to 16 million gallons of reclaimed water daily. The plan outlines pipelines carrying the treated supply from the Southside either to the Nueces River or directly to large industrial users along Refinery Row.
Representatives from the nonprofit Gulf Coast Water Authority and private engineering firm Ardurra Group Inc. presented the concept. They explained that Corpus Christi explores treated water as one more tool to strengthen the city’s fragile supply system.
A Flexible but Limited Solution
Ardurra’s Dan Leyendecker described the approach as another tool in the city’s “water tool chest.” He emphasized that while the plan will not solve everything, it could provide both short-term relief and long-term flexibility. The Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant or the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant could supply the reclaimed water. Treatment levels determine whether the water serves potable or non-potable purposes.
One proposal would route the water 28 miles to the Nueces River, where it would undergo additional purification at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant. The other option would deliver the supply directly to industrial sites that require large volumes of water.
Public Concerns Over Drinking Reclaimed Water
City Councilman Eric Cantu voiced skepticism about residents’ willingness to accept treated wastewater for household use. “I don’t think the public would like to drink this water,” he remarked, adding that industries would likely welcome the option. This perspective underscores the challenge of balancing public perception with pressing supply needs.
Councilwoman Sylvia Campos countered by reminding the council that Corpus Christi already relies on upstream water sources. “We have been drinking upstream water for I don’t know how many years already,” she said. “So this is going to be just as good and safe.”
Partnership Framework in Motion
The presentation suggested a “public-public partnership” between the city and the Gulf Coast Water Authority. According to Ardurra principal Chris Canonico, GCA has the expertise to handle construction, design, and operations as needed. The next step would be to draft a memorandum of understanding to refine the project’s scope. Once that is finalized, officials could pursue a development agreement.
City Manager Peter Zanoni confirmed that the process could move quickly, with a draft agreement potentially reaching the council soon. If approved, the project could go online within 18 months to two years.
The Role of Permits and Timelines
Councilman Mark Scott acknowledged that water reuse should play a role in Corpus Christi’s overall water strategy. However, he noted that permitting could delay the timeline. He advised the city to plan for longer permit processes while working to shorten them if possible. “I think it’s important that we all default to the longer-time permit based on outside independent consultant analysis,” he said.
Why Reclaimed Water Matters
Corpus Christi has faced persistent water supply challenges, with drought and infrastructure issues compounding demand pressures. Reclaimed water offers an opportunity to stretch existing resources. Many cities in Texas and across the country are exploring similar projects to ensure water resilience amid rising population and changing climate variability.
While skepticism exists, especially regarding potable reuse, the city’s ability to adapt may depend on diversifying its water portfolio. If implemented, the reclaimed water plan could help safeguard supplies for both residents and industries, reducing the strain on existing reservoirs.
Looking Ahead
The council’s debate highlights a central tension: balancing public trust with urgent infrastructure needs. The decision to direct reclaimed water to either the Nueces River or industrial use will carry long-term consequences for Corpus Christi’s water future.
As the city awaits further discussions and the drafting of agreements, residents and industries alike will be watching closely. For now, the plan remains a proposal — but it represents a critical step in addressing Corpus Christi’s water shortage with innovative, if controversial, solutions.