Corpus Christi spent $50 million on unbuilt desalination plant during drought

Who's involved

• Corpus Christi City Councilunanimously approved plan in August 2018
• Frank Broganconsultant and former Port of Corpus Christi executive
• OxyChem, Valero, Citgomajor regional water users

The facts

• City leaders unanimously approved the desalination plan in August 2018.^{1 2 5} Stated by 3 sources
• The plant would be Texas's first-ever seawater desalination facility.^{1 2 5} Stated by 3 sources
• Corpus Christi agreed not to pressure industrial water users to cut consumption during drought.^{1 2 5} Stated by 3 sources
• Companies now contribute only a fraction of expected plant costs.^{1 2 5} Stated by 3 sources
• Political dysfunction, coronavirus pandemic, inflation and leadership turnover delayed the project.^{1 2 5} Stated by 3 sources
• By spring 2026, region's main reservoirs almost dried up entirely.^{1 2 5} Stated by 3 sources
• Industrial giants drilled emergency water wells during the drought.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Corpus Christi's credit ratings slipped due to the situation.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Frank Brogan Industry can continue to operate, expand and attract new industry with desalination.^{1 2 5}
• Frank Brogan We don't want to have the reputation of having a water problem.^{1 2 5}
• Local business leaders mass layoffs threatened if water crisis not resolved^{1 2}