City Greenlights $1.3M Reclaimed Water Infrastructure Plan
Corpus Christi water shortage has prompted the City Council to approve a $1.3 million contract for early design work on a water purification project. This key step toward sustainability could eventually transform treated wastewater into drinking water—an approach already adopted in other Texas cities like El Paso.
According to a city-issued news release, this newly approved contract will fund a feasibility study and preliminary design. These steps are essential for analyzing water quality, navigating permit requirements, outlining a pilot program, and drafting the early design of a full-scale water purification facility.
What the New Contract Covers
Strict state-mandated sampling rules will extend the work over approximately 12 months. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality mandates a full year of water sampling before the city can move forward with large-scale plans.
Once experts complete the feasibility study, it will give the city critical insights into implementing a wastewater-to-drinking water facility and clarify potential budgetary costs and infrastructure requirements.
Reclaimed Water Already in Use
Corpus Christi already reclaims wastewater for nonpotable uses. The Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant treats and distributes the water for irrigation and other commercial applications. However, the city’s latest initiative aims to elevate that process by making reclaimed water safe for human consumption.
Partnership with Plastics Manufacturer Secured
Meanwhile, Corpus Christi is finalizing a deal with Formosa Plastics to buy up to 10,000 acre-feet of untreated water through year’s end.
There’s also an option to renew the contract for an additional year.
This partnership could offer approximately $900 per acre-foot supplemental water supply. For context, one acre-foot of water equals nearly 326,000 gallons, making this a substantial acquisition amid regional water shortages.
Learning from El Paso’s Water Model
Other Texas cities have already begun to invest heavily in similar water reuse systems. In El Paso, officials recently broke ground on a $295 million water purification facility that aims to convert treated wastewater into potable water.
Many have celebrated that project as a model for drought-stricken areas across the state, and Corpus Christi plans to follow suit.
Drought Conditions Continue to Worsen
These water initiatives come at a critical time.
Since December, Corpus Christi has remained in Stage 3 drought after combined lake levels fell below 20%, prompting emergency measures.
According to the city’s latest data, those reservoirs were only 17.3% full as of Tuesday. This increasingly dire situation has forced city leaders to act fast and explore sustainable alternatives to ensure long-term water availability.
A Step Toward Future-Proofing Corpus Christi’s Water Supply
Corpus Christi water shortage has pushed the city to invest in infrastructure and partner with the private sector to strengthen water resilience. Though still in early stages, this proactive move shows a strong commitment to addressing the crisis.
Despite ongoing challenges like regulatory approvals and lengthy testing, these initial contracts offer a hopeful start. With continued investment and innovation, Corpus Christi could emerge as a regional leader in water sustainability.