Making Desalination an Affordable Water Supply Solution

Desalination remains a practical and affordable solution for water supply. Next in our Sustainable Water Management Series, representatives from the Texas Water Development Board, City of Corpus Christi and Freese and Nichols weigh in on the successes of desalination so far in Texas. They’ll also cover the scientific and policy lessons learned so far. 

• Texas Brackish Groundwater Science and Policy: Texas Water Development Board’s Innovative Water Technologies group was formed to educate the water community on the use of nontraditional water supplies. As a result of that progressive initiative, the Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System (BRACS) has estimated that Texas has approximately 2.7 billion acre-feet of brackish groundwater. This discussion will focus on brackish groundwater development in Texas: special considerations to evaluate and utilize this resource.

• Corpus Christi Seawater Desalination: After intensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary stakeholder group, the City of Corpus Christi has determined that seawater desalination is a feasible solution to the region’s water needs. Presentation will focus on the funding and permitting aspects of what will be the first seawater desalination plant in Texas.
   
• Energy Management BMPs for Desalination: Cost is one of the biggest hurdles in implementing a desalination project, and energy is the biggest driver of cost. Techniques to reduce energy in desalination projects range from design/operational decisions to membrane selection. Energy optimization solutions are explored through a case study in the Rio Grande Valley.

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4
Where: Freese and Nichols Corpus Christi Office and Austin Office
Or Watch via: Skype in San Antonio or Fort Worth
Credit: 2 PDH
Cost: Free
Presenters: John Meyer, PG, Texas Water Development Board; Esteban Ramos, City of Corpus Christi; Jorge Arroyo, PE, and Jason Afinowicz, PE, Freese and Nichols

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