The Nueces River Authority (NRA) selected IDE Technologies to advance development of the proposed Harbor Island seawater desalination plant near Corpus Christi. The decision moves one of the largest planned water supply projects in Texas into the negotiation phase. IDE was selected as the design-build partner in a public-private partnership.
The proposed facility would supply up to 100 million gallons of water per day to communities and industrial users across South Texas. Project officials are targeting initial operations by the end of 2029.
The Harbor Island development carries an estimated cost of approximately $6.4 billion, including both the desalination facility and associated pipeline infrastructure. Officials estimate the plant itself will cost roughly $3.2 billion, with the remaining investment supporting regional water transmission systems.
The Port of Corpus Christi approved a lease for the project site on Harbor Island. The facility would draw seawater from the Gulf of Mexico and process it into drinking water for municipal and industrial use. IDE Technologies will negotiate project development and delivery terms with the NRA following the board’s unanimous vote. The company specializes in desalination infrastructure and industrial water treatment projects and has developed water facilities across multiple global markets.
The project arrives as South Texas utilities and local governments seek additional long-term water supplies amid population growth, industrial expansion, and recurring drought concerns. Participating cities and water districts are expected to sign long-term water purchase agreements to support project financing.