The water is already gone: Proposed Harbor Island desal plant already sold out

South Texas leaders say a proposed 100 million gallon desalination plant is sold out before construction begins.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A proposed desalination project on the Texas coast is already drawing more demand than it can handle, even before construction begins.

Leaders gathered in Aransas Pass to discuss the Harbor Island desalination project during a “State of Our Water” event, where officials provided updates on one of the largest potential water supply projects in South Texas.

The event at the Aransas Pass Civic Center drew a packed crowd. Attendees started the luncheon with a Butter Churn chicken fried steak meal before turning their attention to the region’s growing water challenges.

Nueces River Authority Executive Director John Byrum told the audience the proposed Harbor Island desalination facility is designed as a 100 million gallon per day campus as part of a larger 450 million dollar project.

According to Byrum, the plant’s initial capacity is already fully committed.

“Right now we have the capacity sold. It is completely sold,” Byrum said.

With demand already exceeding available supply, some attendees asked whether the project should be expanded from the start.

Byrum said the focus right now is getting the first phase up and running before making decisions about future expansion.

“Let’s get our hundred million running, then we’ll decide what comes next,” he said.

Before construction can begin, the Nueces River Authority still needs to select a private partner to build the facility. Byrum said that decision could come soon.

“We will make that decision over the next two to three weeks,” he said.

State and local leaders at the event emphasized the urgency of securing new water supplies as population growth and industrial development continue across South Texas.

State Representative Todd Hunter said he is working with state officials to help secure funding and long term water solutions.

“We’re working with the state to make sure we can get funding and water sources,” Hunter said.

State Senator Adam Hinojosa said the region cannot afford delays.

“We need water and we need water now,” Hinojosa said.

Other leaders warned that Texas is already behind the curve as companies continue moving into the state.

“Industry is coming into this state left and right and we haven’t kept up,” said David Krebs.

With the plant’s initial water supply already spoken for, pressure is building on developers and state leaders to move quickly on the project before water shortages become even more severe across the Coastal Bend.