What is Desal?
Desalination is a process that purifies marine seawater and can provide a local, drought-proof supply of freshwater
Desalination is typically done using reverse osmosis membrane technology or thermal distillation
Desalination produces high-quality drinking / potable / water that can be used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes
Desalination facilities are operating in the United States and across the globe
Why is desal needed in the Coastal Bend?
The South Texas Coastal Bend is today 100% dependent upon surface water for its industrial and residential rate payers. The region consumes approximately 70-80 million gallons per day. [From Seawater Desalination 2-pgr]
Increasing water demand (particularly from industrial growth in the region) is placing further pressure on existing water supplies.
Large-scale industrial growth, anticipated increases in population, and more frequent droughts may lead the region to potential severe water shortages if alternative water supplies are not identified and secured. [From Seawater Desalination 2-pgr]
According to evaluation by the City of Corpus Christi and its stakeholders, a 10MGD supply of water is already needed to sustain 70% safe yield threshold of regional water supply level. [Water Supply 2-pgr]
Projects that are currently under development will increase demand past the 70% “safe yield” threshold. [Water Supply 2-pgr]
Impacts to economy and community
“If projected future water needs are not met, the TWDB has forecast that Region N will suffer combined lost income of $1.9 billion by 2030 and $6.9 billion by 2070; a loss of 13,000 jobs by 2030 and loss of 48,000 jobs by 2070; and consumer surplus losses of $163 million by 2030 and $172 million by 2070 (and related population losses and school enrollment losses).” Coastal Bend Regional Water Planning Area Region N—2021 Regional Water Plan (at p. 30, and Appendix B at p. 2)
Based on the 2020 Census. The population in Corpus Christi is approximately 325,000 and more than 60% of residents identified as Hispanic. The median household income is $57,387, lower than the statewide median of $63,826, and 16% of people in Corpus Christi live below the poverty line, which is about 10% higher than the statewide poverty rate. More than 20% of children under the age of 18 live below the poverty line.
A healthy economy in Corpus Christi is a lifeline for its communities. The negative economic consequences of water scarcity or prolonged drought will affect our economy and hurt our vulnerable populations the most.
2020 CENSUS
(CORPUS CHRISTI)
LINKImpacts to bays and estuaries
On any given day in Texas, millions of residents are affected by drought.
The US Drought Monitor is updated every Thursday with current drought conditions across the country. Texas-specific data is available here.
The Texas Legislature has acknowledged the critical need for water security in Texas.
With this state facing an ongoing drought, continuing population growth, and the need to remain economically competitive, every effort must be made to secure and develop plentiful and cost-effective water supplies to meet the ever-increasing demand for water. (Act of June 17, 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., ch. 756, § 1(a), 2015 Tex. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 756.)
The Texas Legislature has declared that in “this state, marine seawater is a potential new source of water for drinking and other beneficial uses.” Id. at § 1(c).
Incorporate statistics from the 2022 Texas State Water Plan
Why it is needed in Texas and beyond
On any given day in Texas, millions of residents are affected by drought.
The US Drought Monitor is updated every Thursday with current drought conditions across the country. Texas-specific data is available here.
The Texas Legislature has acknowledged the critical need for water security in Texas.
With this state facing an ongoing drought, continuing population growth, and the need to remain economically competitive, every effort must be made to secure and develop plentiful and cost-effective water supplies to meet the ever-increasing demand for water.
(Act of June 17, 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., ch. 756, § 1(a), 2015 Tex. Sess. Law Serv. Ch. 756.)
The Texas Legislature has declared that in “this state, marine seawater is a potential new source of water for drinking and other beneficial uses.” Id. at § 1(c).