South Texas Water Development Private Utilities
Rain or shine, water all the time.
We are developing a large-scale regional seawater desalination plant and raw-water pipeline for the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo, Texas — a second, drought-proof source of water beyond the Rio Grande.
- Region
- Rio Grande Valley & Laredo, Texas (TWDB Region M)
- Source
- Seawater from the Gulf
- Delivers
- Raw water, wholesale, through a regional pipeline
The need
One river supplies almost everyone. What if it runs dry?
The Rio Grande is the sole source of raw water for most municipalities, irrigation districts and agricultural operators on both sides of the border, in the United States and Mexico.
There is no secondary raw-water source today. STWDPU exists to be there if the thousand-year drought comes, if the river can no longer serve the region's cities, irrigation districts and farmers — and to help refill Falcon Lake.
Water is a vital commodity. Water development is necessary — and the need is now.
How it works
From the Gulf to the pipeline, in five steps
Desalination removes salt and other minerals from seawater or brackish groundwater, making it suitable for drinking water and other uses.
Step 1Seawater intake
Seawater is drawn from the ocean through intake structures, with screens that keep out large debris and marine life.
Step 2Pre-treatment
A series of filters removes particles, debris and other impurities to protect the membranes in the next stage.
Step 3Reverse osmosis
Filtered seawater is pushed through semi-permeable membranes that let water molecules pass while blocking salts and dissolved substances.
Step 4Post-treatment
The water's pH is adjusted, needed minerals are added, and it is brought up to safety standards.
Step 5Storage & distribution
Treated water is stored and delivered through a regional pipeline network to the systems that serve homes, farms and businesses.
Who we serve
A second source for the systems the region already relies on
Municipalities
Cities and water utilities that need a supply that does not depend on the river.
Irrigation districts
Districts that deliver water to the region's farmland.
Farmers & ranchers
Agriculture that drives the Valley's economy, through drought years.
Light & heavy industry
Employers who need dependable water to build and grow here.
STWDPU does not sell to homes directly and does not compete with any existing water delivery system in the United States or Mexico. We supply raw water to our partner network.
About us
Built for the long term
Purpose
To provide a large-scale desalination plant and pipeline system for the TWDB Region M service area as a secondary water source in the event the Rio Grande dries up — and to promote economic growth by giving farmers, ranchers and industry a second source too.
Mission
To create a safe, rewarding environment for long-term water development, with enduring and collaborative customer relationships, while delivering industry-leading desalination pipelines to South Texas.
Vision
To be the first industry leader in safe, high-quality, environmentally responsible desalinated raw-water pipeline construction — serving the customers who deliver drinking water and farm irrigation, and giving back to our community.
Contact
Talk to us about the project
Municipalities, irrigation districts, landowners, engineers and investors: tell us who you are and what you would like to know.
- General questionscontact@stxwdpu.com
- Phone956-222-5739
- CEODr. Armando Ocaña · aocana3@stxwdpu.com