Stage 3 Drought Restrictions are in effect. Learn More

Stage 3 Water Restrictions. 1. No watering allowed. 2. Drip irrigation for foundation and garden is allowed every other week on the designated watering day. 3. Hand watering of the home foundations, trees, vegetable gardens, shrubs and potted plants is allowed any day with a handheld hose, bucket, or small watering can. 4. Swimming ppols can be maintained but must have covers when not in use. 5. Home car washing is limited to bucket (five gallon) washing on the designated watering day.

Army Corps of Engineers Issues Permit for Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus

March 26, 2025

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Letter of Determination in favor of issuing a permit for construction activities for the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus intake and discharge structures. The permit also approves the installation of a 3.1-mile-long pipeline connection from the Water Treatment Campus site to the existing Navigation Boulevard Pump Station located at 266 Navigation Boulevard.

 A direct reporting unit of the United States Army, the USACE provides engineering services nationwide. Per the USACE's Regulatory Programs, its guiding principle is environmental sustainability, and its mission is to deliver vital engineering solutions that secure the nation, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risk. The City’s permit application was reviewed in accordance with the USACE's Regulatory Programs and other pertinent laws.

 “We are elated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has issued this favorable permit determination,” said Mayor Paulette Guajardo. “The process of securing this and all other federal and state permits has taken the last five years of data gathering, studying, modeling, and engineering. We’re pleased to have repeatedly confirmed that this project will be environmentally responsible.”

 “The USACE review process is thorough and rigorous, as all of our successful permit reviews have been,” said City Manager Peter Zanoni. “That’s further testament to the City’s dedication to a guiding principle of the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus project – protection of our natural environment.”

 With major permits now approved by the USACE and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the City will proceed with the following steps:

1.     Second quarter 2025: Kiewit, the selected design-build firm, will continue designing the demonstration center program and facility.

2.     Fourth quarter 2025: At 60% design, Kiewit will submit a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposal to the City.

3.     Fourth quarter 2025 to early 2026: After the City and Kiewit agree to the GMP, staff will return to the City Council to consider a construction contract with Kiewit.

4.     First quarter 2026: Construction will start and continue through 2028.

5.     Summer 2028: Construction to be completed, and the facility to go into operation.

Once operational, the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus will provide up to 36 million gallons of drinking water daily, increasing the region’s water security and enhancing the City’s traditional water sources, which are vulnerable to drought conditions.

 About the Project

The Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus represents a vital component of the City’s long-term water management strategy. Seawater desalination will provide a drought-proof water supply by converting seawater into fresh drinking water through advanced treatment processes.

This landmark facility results from years of careful planning and thorough analysis. After evaluating 21 potential locations, the City selected the Inner Harbor as the optimal site for this project. The approach to this project focuses on three essential priorities that benefit the community: affordability, environmental sustainability, and reliability.

Affordability ensures the project delivers affordable water for residents and businesses. Environmental sustainability minimizes ecological impacts through careful design and operation. Reliability creates a drought-proof water supply that functions regardless of climate conditions.

For more information about the Inner Harbor Water Treatment Campus project, visit https://bit.ly/3XRKev5 or contact Strategic Business Manager Rachel Esses at 361-826-7350.