Is Seawater Desal the Future Water Supply for the Texas Gulf Coast

In 2013 CDM Smith prepared the Brazoria County Regional Water Facility study for the Brazosport Water Authority (BWA). The resulting recommendation was for the BWA to expand the water treatment, pumping and transmission system and to diversify their water source (with options such as brackish ground water) to improve water reliability during periods of drought and to serve future customers in specific areas. In 2020, CDM Smith performed a study to determine the feasibility of seawater desalination as a potential water supply option for future demands. Seawater Desal is included as an option for water supply for up to 10-15 MGD because of the capability for it to be integrated with the first phase of BWA’s brackish groundwater desalination plant (currently planned for up to 6 MGD). This presentation will review the process taken in the study, the BWAís future water demands and necessary system upgrades and expansions for integration of the future Seawater Desal supply.