Del Mar College Explores Wastewater Recycling to Address Drought

Texas campus looks to tap treated effluent as water scarcity intensifies across the region

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:37pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones of blue, green, and brown, depicting the interconnected systems of water treatment, distribution, and reuse through sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conveying the natural flow and structural order of the water cycle.As water scarcity intensifies, Del Mar College's innovative efforts to recycle treated wastewater aim to secure a more sustainable water future for the Coastal Bend region.Corpus Christi Today

As drought conditions worsen in the Coastal Bend region, Del Mar College is taking steps to reduce its reliance on drinking water supplies by exploring the use of treated wastewater, or effluent, for certain campus operations. College leaders are in discussions to connect the campus water system to the City of Corpus Christi's effluent line, which would allow the college to use recycled water for non-potable purposes. The college is also considering drilling a water well at its Windward campus, though groundwater quality may limit that approach. Additionally, Del Mar has already implemented various water conservation measures, including switching to drought-resistant landscaping and installing low-flow fixtures.

Why it matters

The Coastal Bend region, like much of Texas, is facing intensifying drought conditions that are straining water resources. As a major institution in the area, Del Mar College's efforts to reduce its freshwater usage and explore alternative water sources, such as recycled wastewater, set an important example for other organizations and communities grappling with water scarcity.

The details

College leaders say discussions around using treated effluent water have been ongoing, and they believe a project to connect the campus to the city's effluent line could be implemented within the next six months to a year. At the Windward campus, the college is also exploring the possibility of drilling a water well, though some officials caution that groundwater quality in the area may not be suitable. Additionally, the college has already taken steps to conserve water, such as switching to drought-resistant landscaping and installing low-flow fixtures across campus. Leaders are also evaluating changes to thermostat settings to reduce water demand tied to cooling systems.

  • The college has been discussing the use of treated effluent water for some time.
  • A project to connect the campus to the city's effluent line could be implemented within the next six months to a year.
  • The college has already implemented various water conservation measures, including switching to drought-resistant landscaping and installing low-flow fixtures.

The players

Del Mar College

A community college located in Corpus Christi, Texas, that is exploring ways to reduce its reliance on drinking water supplies amid worsening drought conditions in the region.

City of Corpus Christi

The local municipality that operates an effluent line near the Del Mar College campus, which the college is in discussions to potentially connect to for using treated wastewater.

Dr. Mark Escamilla

The president of Del Mar College, who has stated that the college's discussions around using effluent water have been ongoing and could soon lead to action.

Carl Crull

A member of the Del Mar College Board of Regents who suggested exploring the possibility of tapping into an existing effluent line that runs from the Greenwood plant to the Lozano golf center.

David Loeb

A Del Mar College Board of Regents member who acknowledged the necessity of the college taking action to conserve water as a member of the Corpus Christi community.

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What they’re saying

“The conversation about effluent water has been underway for some time so I think that that particular project will probably be the soonest in coming months. I think we might have something on board six months to a year out on this particular campus.”

— Dr. Mark Escamilla, President, Del Mar College

“My knowledge of groundwater in this area is that it's very poor and possibly as an alternative is to explore with the city and Foresight golf to tap into the effluent line that runs from the Greenwood plant to the Lozano golf center.”

— Carl Crull, Board of Regents Member, Del Mar College

“I wish we weren't here, but this is where we are and so we as an organization need to do our part as a member of the community.”

— David Loeb, Board of Regents Member, Del Mar College

What’s next

College officials confirmed that discussions are already underway with the City of Corpus Christi and Foresight Golf to explore tapping into the existing effluent line that runs from the Greenwood plant to the Lozano golf center as an alternative to drilling a new water well.

The takeaway

Del Mar College's efforts to reduce its reliance on drinking water supplies by exploring the use of treated wastewater highlight the growing importance of water conservation and recycling initiatives in communities facing severe drought conditions. As a major institution in the Coastal Bend region, the college's actions set an example for other organizations and residents to follow in adapting to the realities of water scarcity.