Corpus Christi Approves Reclaimed Water Deal with Flint Hills Refinery

The agreement will allow the city to provide treated wastewater for industrial use at the refinery.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The Corpus Christi City Council has approved a Reclaimed Water Supply Agreement with Flint Hills Resources Corpus Christi, LLC, establishing a framework for the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater from the Allison Wastewater Treatment Plant. Under the agreement, the city will provide reclaimed wastewater effluent to Flint Hills Resources for further processing into recovered water suitable for industrial use at its West Refinery.

Why it matters

This agreement is part of Corpus Christi's long-term strategy to expand the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater, reducing the demand on the city's potable water supplies. Reclaimed water agreements like this one help conserve limited freshwater resources and promote sustainable water management practices.

The details

The agreement establishes a multi-phase operational structure with firm volume commitments and associated fees. The initial installation will support processing of up to 1 million gallons per day, with the potential to expand to 2 million gallons per day during Phase 2 upon city approval. Flint Hills Resources will install trailer-mounted processing equipment at the wastewater treatment plant and be responsible for all infrastructure, permitting, and operational costs associated with receiving and processing the reclaimed water.

  • The Corpus Christi City Council approved the Reclaimed Water Supply Agreement on January 27, 2026.

The players

Corpus Christi City Council

The governing body of the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, which approved the reclaimed water agreement with Flint Hills Resources.

Flint Hills Resources Corpus Christi, LLC

A refinery company that will receive and process the reclaimed wastewater from the city's Allison Wastewater Treatment Plant for industrial use at its West Refinery.

Nicholas Winkelman

The Interim Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water, who stated that the agreement advances the city's long-term strategy to expand beneficial reuse of treated wastewater.

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What they’re saying

“This agreement advances the City's long-term strategy to expand beneficial reuse of treated wastewater, reducing the demand on potable water supplies.”

— Nicholas Winkelman, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Corpus Christi Water

What’s next

The agreement allows for a potential expansion to 2 million gallons per day during Phase 2, which would require additional approval from the city.

The takeaway

By partnering with Flint Hills Resources to reuse treated wastewater, Corpus Christi is taking an important step towards sustainable water management and reducing the strain on its potable water resources, which is crucial for a water-scarce region like South Texas.