Public Pushback Prompts Deadline Pause
Corpus Delays Water Contract in response to strong community feedback, as city officials hold off on finalizing a deal with the South Texas Water Authority (STWA) to purchase treated brackish groundwater. The city and STWA postponed the contract to allow more time for reviewing essential project details.
At the July 22 meeting, both parties said they’re finalizing key facility and environmental details. The pause shows the city’s transparency and readiness to address residents’ rising environmental concerns seriously.
Council Still Supports Exploring Water Solutions
Despite the delay, City Council members remain committed to exploring the proposed project as a potential long-term water source. Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn emphasized her dual concern: protecting Baffin Bay while also seeking sustainable water solutions.
“We’re still interested in the project — very much so,” Vaughn told STWA Executive Director John Marez. “But I want to give you all the time to be able to vet it—do what you need to do and bring it back.”
They committed to thoroughly evaluating the project before proceeding and carefully considering all factors involved. This unique marine environment is vital to the area’s ecosystem, tourism, and recreation.
Project Details: A Look at the Proposed Desalination Plant
The proposed project involves a partnership between STWA and the private firm Seven Seas Water Group. The plan centers on constructing a desalination plant near Driscoll capable of producing at least 3 million gallons of treated water daily. STWA’s long-term proposal includes scaling production to deliver up to 28 million gallons per day to Corpus Christi.
Seven Seas plans to finance, build, and operate the facility, which reduces the financial burden on STWA and the city. According to Marez, the public-private partnership is already in motion, with no upfront costs required from STWA’s limited budget.
“Seven Seas has put up a lot of their own money,” Marez stated. “We don’t have the resources Corpus Christi does. That partnership has been key.”
Environmental and Legal Hurdles Remain
However, the project’s next steps hinge on gathering critical data and receiving regulatory approvals. Drew Molly, Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water, stressed the importance of identifying treatment sites, well fields, and discharge points to assess costs and finalize a legal agreement.
A memo from city staff emphasized the importance of extending the deadline to facilitate comprehensive due diligence and environmental review. “The original contract deadline was very ambitious,” Marez admitted.
The estimated cost per thousand gallons of water stands at a competitive $5.50, according to Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid — a rate that still appears feasible, pending further analysis.
Baffin Bay Brine Concerns Under Scientific Review
Much of the public concern centers on the potential impact of brine discharge into Baffin Bay. While Marez acknowledged that Baffin Bay may be the most cost-effective discharge site due to proximity, he also emphasized a commitment to environmental protection.
“We all live here, we all enjoy being outdoors… so we would never jeopardize any part of it,” Marez said.
STWA has partnered with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute to conduct scientific studies to determine if the discharge would have adverse effects. STWA’s legal representative, Charlie Zahn, assured the council: “If science doesn’t show that there’s no adverse impact on Baffin Bay, we will not discharge there.”
Looking Ahead: Next Update Set for September
Corpus Delays Water Contract as the City Council officially rescinded the August 24 deadline, pushing the next project update to September 23. Councilman Gil Hernandez urged keeping the desalination project active and visible for continued council discussion.We need multiple solutions.”
If approved, the desalination team aims to complete the project between early and mid-2027. Environmental studies, public input, and ongoing talks will help shape Corpus Christi’s future water strategy.