Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project: Understanding the Numbers Behind the Water Part II
How Large-Scale Groundwater Projects Fit into Coastal Bend Water Planning
Groundwater development across South Texas continues to evolve as cities, regional authorities, and private operators seek to meet long-term water demands.
The Nueces Groundwater Conservation District (NGCD) provides this overview to help the public understand two ongoing regional projects in the context of groundwater availability and Texas’s long-term planning process:
The Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project, proposed by the City of Corpus Christi
The South Texas Water Authority (STWA) Groundwater Project, developed in partnership with Seven Seas Water Group near Driscoll, Texas
These summaries are part of NGCD’s ongoing effort to promote transparency, public education, and science-based groundwater management across the Coastal Bend.
Groundwater Availability Overview
According to the 2026 Region N Water Plan, the Modeled Available Groundwater (MAG) for Nueces County is 6,787 acre-feet per year, or about 2.21 billion gallons annually.
The MAG represents the amount of groundwater that can be pumped each year while still maintaining the region’s Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) — long-term sustainability targets established through a collaborative, science-based process.
“Maintaining withdrawals within the MAG helps protect the Gulf Coast Aquifer for future generations.”
Project One: Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project
The City of Corpus Christi is developing the Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project, designed to supplement surface water supplies and expand local resilience through groundwater production.
At its full design potential, the project could produce up to 43 million gallons per day (MGD).
These are engineering estimates — actual production will depend on permitting, monitoring, and environmental review to ensure sustainable use under state guidelines.
Project Two: South Texas Water Authority (STWA) & Seven Seas Water Group
The South Texas Water Authority (STWA) has partnered with Seven Seas Water USA, LLC to develop a brackish groundwater desalination project near Driscoll, Texas.
This collaboration reflects the growing interest in diversified water sourcing — using brackish groundwater treatment as a sustainable solution to regional demand.
Key Project Facts
Date Established: August 7, 2025
Partnership: STWA and Seven Seas Water USA entered a Water Supply Agreement to design, permit, construct, finance, and operate a 4-MGD brackish water desalination facility.
Initial Capacity: 4 MGD (≈4,480 acre-feet or 1.46 billion gallons annually).
Expansion Potential: Up to 28 MGD, pending additional agreements and approvals.
Coordination: On June 23, 2025, STWA and the City of Corpus Christi signed an MOU to explore future supply collaboration.
Groundbreaking: July 8, 2025, for the project’s first test well in Driscoll, Texas.
At the current operating level of 4 MGD, the project produces about 1.46 billion gallons annually — roughly 4,480 acre-feet of water.
How These Projects Fit Within Texas Water Planning
Both of these large-scale groundwater efforts are incorporated into the state’s structured regional water planning process under the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).
This framework ensures that every project is reviewed within:
The Region N Water Plan (TWDB’s long-term regional framework)
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting and compliance requirements
Local Groundwater Conservation District rules, where applicable
“The MAG serves as a benchmark — guiding sustainable water use, not restricting innovation.”
By aligning projects with these frameworks, regional water authorities and districts ensure that development and conservation remain balanced through monitoring, transparency, and data-based decisions.
NGCD’s Role in Transparency and Education
The Nueces Groundwater Conservation District does not endorse or oppose specific groundwater projects. Instead, its role is to:
Promote public understanding of groundwater science and planning;
Encourage data-driven resource management;
Support regional cooperation to protect shared aquifers; and
Provide transparent communication about the water resources serving the Coastal Bend.
“Groundwater is a shared resource — protecting it today ensures prosperity tomorrow.”
NGCD remains committed to science-based management and public awareness, ensuring that growth, conservation, and sustainability work hand in hand.
In Summary
The Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project and the South Texas Water Authority/Seven Seas Water Group Project reflect ongoing innovation in water sourcing and management.
While these initiatives explore new capacity, the guiding principles of Modeled Available Groundwater (MAG) and Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) ensure that Texas communities continue to protect the long-term sustainability of the Gulf Coast Aquifer.
Through collaboration, monitoring, and education, NGCD remains dedicated to keeping the public informed about every step of this vital process.
