Corpus Christi is grappling with a severe drought, pushing its water reserves to alarming levels. With reservoirs at just 8.4% capacity, the city faces the potential of a water emergency within months, as its supply could be depleted in as little as 180 days. This critical situation has prompted the City Council to explore an agreement to purchase water from a private desalination plant owned by Corpus Christi Polymers, a plastic manufacturer. This strategic shift comes after the city decided to abandon its own desalination project in September, a plan that had been plagued by escalating costs and environmental considerations.
The city’s previous desalination endeavor, which involved years of planning and substantial investment, was ultimately deemed unfeasible due to projected costs exceeding $1.2 billion. The decision to consider water from the Corpus Christi Polymers plant signifies a pivot towards a more immediate solution. This private facility, reportedly nearing 90% completion, is anticipated to commence operations roughly a year after a contract is secured and is projected to produce approximately 9 million gallons of potable water daily. This potential partnership is viewed as a vital component in securing a drought-resilient water source for the region’s 500,000 inhabitants.
Despite the urgency, the council’s authorization for negotiations was met with a degree of skepticism. Several council members voiced concerns, with some casting votes against the measure, indicating a preference for tangible deal terms before full commitment. Council member Roland Barrera explicitly stated his conditional support, pending the development of a suitable agreement. Conversely, Council member Everett Roy, while voting in favor, underscored the necessity of a cautious approach. A significant procedural step has been cleared, as the private plant has secured the requisite state permits from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The immediate next phase involves intricate negotiations for a take-or-pay water supply agreement, which will ultimately require final approval from the City Council.
The city’s water supply strategy has seen notable shifts in recent times. In October 2025, the Council approved a $169.5 million agreement to purchase groundwater rights from Evangeline/Laguna, LP, aiming to secure an additional 12 million gallons per day, with an option to expand to 24 million gallons daily. This project, however, has faced legal challenges and permit disputes, potentially delaying its operational date and raising concerns about its overall cost, estimated at over $670 million. Concurrently, in February 2026, the city also approved a $28 million purchase of groundwater rights from the Ed Rashelle Foundation, projected to add 15 million gallons a day to its supply, and authorized negotiations for a brackish water desalination plant.
These measures, including the potential agreement with Corpus Christi Polymers, reflect a multi-pronged approach to address the persistent water scarcity. The city’s past attempts to secure water, such as the canceled Inner Harbor desalination plant contract in September 2025, highlight the challenges of balancing cost, necessity, and long-term sustainability. The ongoing debates surrounding water acquisition, including discussions about state funding and the financial responsibilities of industrial users, underscore the complex policy landscape Corpus Christi navigates.
