The Nueces River Authority (NRA) is moving forward with its ambitious plan to construct a 450-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) desalination plant on Harbor Island, aiming to address long-term water security in the region.
The project’s initial phase will feature a 100-MGD facility, with capacity expansions planned in stages over the coming years. Discussions are already underway with potential buyers interested in securing a supply from the plant, and NRA Executive Director John Byrum is optimistic about securing water reservation commitments.
“We had our first meeting the other day in Atascosa County. The meeting went very well, and that is the first of many,” Byrum said, emphasizing growing interest in the project.
In addition to securing buyers, Byrum and his team are working with consultants to identify a private-sector partner for the multi-billion-dollar venture.
“To build a plant and get water out of that area into the Interstate 37 Corridor, you’re probably looking at three or three and a half billion dollars,” Byrum noted.
As the City of Corpus Christi progresses with its own inner harbor desalination plant, city officials believe there is room for both projects to coexist. Councilman Mark Scott sees a clear distinction in their roles, stating, “The city does the inner harbor to take care of you and me. NRA and the Port of Corpus Christi do Harbor Island—that creates a new rate structure, and if industry is interested in paying that new rate structure, knock yourself out.”
However, Councilman Roland Barrera expressed concerns over the cost, arguing that industrial consumers may not be willing to pay significantly higher water rates.
“I don’t think there is a demand to buy $12 water when the cost that we sell it to industry is closer to four,” Barrera said.
Byrum remains hopeful that state lawmakers, who are considering major investments in water infrastructure, will recognize the Harbor Island project as a critical priority.
“They realize that this has to be solved this session so that the cost doesn’t continue to grow,” Byrum stated.
If all goes according to plan, Byrum expects the plant’s design phase to be well underway by the end of the year, with operations beginning by the end of 2028.