From The Texas Tribune · Inside Climate News, Texas Newsroom · · 3m
Corpus Christi desalination costs soar as water crisis deepens
Corpus Christi's water crisis deepens as desalination project costs surge and political tensions rise.
In brief
Corpus Christi's water crisis deepens as desalination project costs surge and political tensions rise. Corpus Christi voters will decide in November whether to scrap the 2018 desalination plan that promised drought-proof water but now costs $757 million and faces massive opposition. Originally reported by The Texas…
2018 desalination plan unveiled
In 2018, Corpus Christi City Council unanimously approved a plan where industry giants would fund a seawater desalination plant to ensure drought-proof water supply.
“Industry can continue to operate. Industry can justify expansion. Community can attract new industry.”
Industry agrees to fund desalination
OxyChem, Valero, Citgo, and Flint Hills Resources pledged to cover costs of the desalination plant, which would produce millions of gallons of freshwater daily.
“The water that they were purchasing would not be subject to water rationing.”
2018 drought surcharge exemption fee
City Council adopted a fee where industrial users would pay an 8% water rate hike to cover desalination plant loans, exempting them from drought surcharges.
“The city is committing to take care of that concern, so we can focus on keeping our businesses running well without worrying about water availability.”
Project costs escalate
By 2024, the desalination plant's estimated cost had risen to $757 million, far exceeding the original $140 million budget for 10 million gallons per day.
“The city would have to spend about $68 million a year to cover debt service for such a project, officials later estimated.”
Industrial water use surges
ExxonMobil's new plastics plant became the region's largest water user, consuming 13.5 million gallons per day, while reservoirs dropped below 10% full.
“Lake Corpus Christi dropped below 10% full in March 2026, lower than at any time on record since it first filled up in the late 1950s.”
Political opposition grows
Activists led by Isabel Araiza collected 13,000 signatures for a November ballot measure to repeal the drought surcharge exemption fee and increase industrial water costs.
“We’re not going away. We’re growing our civic engagement. You can’t stop us. The movement is building. We will win.”
City council debates options
City Council members debated whether to cancel the desalination project, abandon permits, or seek alternative water sources amid rising costs and reservoir depletion.
“We must choose options that are more affordable.”
Reservoirs hit critical levels
By late 2026, Corpus Christi's main reservoirs had dropped below 10% capacity, prompting emergency water restrictions for residents but not industrial users.
“Lake Corpus Christi dropped below 10% full in March 2026, lower than at any time on record since it first filled up in the late 1950s.”
November ballot measure
A proposed referendum in November would determine whether to scrap the 2018 desalination plan and impose higher water costs on industrial users.
“No resident should ever have to be put through this again.”
City council votes to reject alternatives
City Council rejected a proposal to switch contractors for the desalination plant, citing the need to avoid further financial strain and credit rating damage.
“That’s going to be a painful experience if the state of Texas calls our notes due.”
Water crisis resolution
After July 2026 rainstorms filled reservoirs to 40%, Corpus Christi avoided immediate water shortages but faces uncertainty about future droughts and project costs.
“The city would have to return $235 million it has already borrowed from the state, $50 million of which has already been spent.”
Long-term water challenges
Corpus Christi faces ongoing challenges in securing affordable water supplies as credit ratings decline and industrial water use continues to rise.
“No city manager, no city council, no resident should ever have to be put through this again.”
Political tensions intensify
City Council members remain divided over the desalination project, with some urging immediate action and others advocating for more time to explore alternatives.
“The rubber meets the road here.”
Future water security
Corpus Christi's water security remains uncertain as the city balances industrial needs, environmental concerns, and financial constraints.
“If America wants us to be a leader in energy production and export, and if we want this to be a great country, there has to be some intervention.”
Water crisis resolution
After July 2026 rainstorms filled reservoirs to 40%, Corpus Christi avoided immediate water shortages but faces uncertainty about future droughts and project costs.
“No resident should ever have to be put through this again.”
In short
Corpus Christi voters will decide in November whether to scrap the 2018 desalination plan that promised drought-proof water but now costs $757 million and faces massive opposition.
