Hey y’all. It’s been over 6 months since our last update and a lot has happened since then. Here’s a quick recap.

In November of last year, City Council authorized the procurement of a far field model for their Inner Harbor desalination project. To help guide the modeling process, the City formed an advisory committee to gather input and collaborate with the modeling firm during the model’s development. Then in March of this year, City Council approved a contract with Spheros Environmental Group to update the Port of Corpus Christi’s far field model from 2023. Over the past few months, Spheros has completed numerous improvements to the model including updates to the model’s bathymetry, dynamic simulation of intake and outfall salinities, and ship traffic mixing. Now, the modeling is done and will be presented to City Council on Tuesday, June 2nd, prior to their vote to proceed with Corpus Christi Desal Partners to advance the project from a 10% design to a 60% design. 

Looking Into the Crystal Ball

So far, the City’s far field modeling results have shown relatively minor salinity impacts to the bay system from desalination, which is a huge relief. In the Inner Harbor and the ship channel, there were moderate increases to salinity levels and stratification. In the Nueces and Corpus Christi Bays, there were minor increases to salinity levels and stratification. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the bays are already salinity stressed. So, moving forward, as the City makes decisions that can affect the health of the bays, impacts from previous modifications, like the building of dams and deepening of ship channels, must be factored into decision making.

As One Chapter Ends, Another Begins

Ever since John, Bob, and I started this petition two years ago, our main goal has been to get the City to produce a far field model for their desalination projects. With the City’s modeling finished, I figured now would be a good time to update the petition’s status to ‘completed’. But that doesn’t mean our advocacy for better science on desalination is over. There is still a lot of work to be done to better understand how desalination in the Corpus Christi Bay will impact the long term health of the bays. As one chapter ends and another begins, I want to thank you for signing our petition and for helping us get to this moment. Together, we were able to accomplish something huge and I think that is a victory worth celebrating. 

Moving forward, I have one favor to ask of you, and that is for you to continue to stay informed and to continue participating in local decision making, especially when it comes to safeguarding our one-of-a-kind, natural resources. Your City needs you, and it will be better off with your help. 

Cheers,

Jason

March 17th, 2026 - City of Corpus Christi - City Council Approves Contract for Far Field Modeling

May 31st, 2026 - KIII - What is a far-field model for desalination? This video breaks it down.