REGIONAL DESALINATION PLANT

Brownsville PUB is a major partner in the Southmost Regional Water Authority (SRWA), which consists of six entities that are searching for a regional approach to solving the area’s water needs. One such approach is the Regional Desalination Plant which will be located east of FM 511.

Its purpose is to provide treated brackish water (salty groundwater) for the Southern Cameron County region. This project also provides for an alternative water supply source away from the Rio Grande River for the majority of the SRWA partners.

When Phase I is completed in late summer 2003, the plant is expected to produce 7.5 million gallons of water per day (mgd). This is equivalent to over 40 percent of the annual water supply to participating entities. The capacity is expected to double in Phase II.

Representatives from the SRWA, along with local and federal dignitaries, hold shovels at the groundbreaking ceremony, held in mid-December 2002, for the Regional Desalination Plant.