Corpus Christi Approves Desalination Plant at Barney Davis Power Station

City partners with CPS Energy to explore $600 million seawater desalination project at Flour Bluff facility

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:26am

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The Corpus Christi City Council has unanimously approved a motion to partner with CPS Energy of San Antonio to develop a seawater desalination project at the Barney Davis Power Plant in Flour Bluff. The $600 million project is separate from the city's previously discussed Inner Harbor desalination initiative.

Why it matters

As Corpus Christi and surrounding areas continue to grapple with water scarcity issues, this desalination plant represents a major infrastructure investment to bolster the region's water supply. The partnership with CPS Energy also signals the city's commitment to exploring innovative solutions to its water challenges.

The details

The city council voted to authorize staff to move forward with the CPS Energy partnership, which will explore options for a desalination facility at the existing Barney Davis Power Plant site in Flour Bluff. This project is distinct from the city's previously discussed Inner Harbor desalination initiative.

  • The city council approved the partnership on March 18, 2026.

The players

Corpus Christi City Council

The governing body of the City of Corpus Christi that unanimously approved the desalination partnership.

CPS Energy

A municipal utility company serving the San Antonio area that is partnering with Corpus Christi on the desalination project.

Barney Davis Power Plant

An existing power generation facility in Flour Bluff, Corpus Christi that will host the new desalination plant.

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What’s next

The city and CPS Energy will now begin exploring the technical and financial feasibility of the $600 million desalination plant at the Barney Davis Power Plant site.

The takeaway

This desalination partnership represents a major infrastructure investment by Corpus Christi to bolster its water supply and address long-term water scarcity challenges facing the region.