A three-hour meeting at City Hall focused on the latest far-field modeling for the City of Corpus Christi’s proposed Inner Harbor desalination plant, as consultants work toward presenting findings to City Council later this month.

RELATED: Big promises, bigger questions: Harbor Island desal project under scrutiny after new allegations

Representatives from Hazen and Sawyer and Spheros Environmental — the two firms leading the modeling effort — told a city committee they plan to deliver results on April 28.

The far-field study examines how discharge from a desalination facility could affect the broader bay system over time. Using historical data, the modeling attempts to project future conditions with the addition of a desalination plant.

“Basically, the far-field modeling takes a set of data from the past and tries to model the future with a new element, like a desalination facility,” said consultant Zanoni during the meeting.

A central question raised during discussions was what baseline year should be used to represent typical bay conditions — a decision that could significantly influence the model’s outcomes.

“Do you pick years where there were droughts happening? Do you pick years where the bay was changed by a hurricane and massive rain events?” Zanoni said.

While most of the 19-member committee does not have a scientific background, Zanoni said members have been actively engaged in the process.

“They’re participating. They’re asking great questions. They’re demanding answers from the modeler. They’re not just sitting back and listening to whatever the modeler tells them,” he said.

Committee member Jason Hale, who was nominated by Councilman Eric Cantu, emphasized the uniqueness of the modeling approach.

“What we’re doing right now is something that has never been done in the desalination world,” Hale said. “And I think people are going to be writing reports and stories about how innovative this modeling is.”

Hale also expressed confidence in both desalination as a solution and in city leadership, despite recent divisions among council members. The most recent Inner Harbor vote advanced in a 5-3 decision to begin design-build contract negotiations, with Cantu abstaining.

“Corpus is working on fixing our water supply, and they’re actually doing something about it,” Hale said. “I know a lot of people think they’re not, you know, but I go to council meetings every week, and I know I can see firsthand they’re doing everything they can to fix this water problem.”

Zanoni said City Council is expected to meet again Friday, either for a water-focused workshop or a regular meeting, as discussions around the desalination project continue.