During the recent City Council meeting in Corpus Christi, significant discussions centered around the financial implications of water resource management, particularly concerning the Eastern and Western Fields. The council members addressed the anticipated capital costs associated with these projects, which are expected to exceed $30 million. This increase is largely attributed to potential future developments, including the construction of a pipeline and a reverse osmosis (RO) facility.

A key point of discussion was the grant funding from the state, which is specifically allocated for the Nueces River groundwater well project. Council members expressed optimism about keeping costs close to the grant amount, which is crucial for the financial feasibility of the drilling and discharge operations into the Nueces River.

Operational costs were also a focal point, with estimates provided for both the Evangeline and Nueces River water sources. The projected operational expenditure (OPEX) for sourcing 12 million gallons per day from the Evangeline aquifer is approximately $5.2 million annually. In contrast, sourcing the same amount from the Nueces River wells is estimated at $7.5 million, reflecting the additional power and treatment requirements associated with that source.

Furthermore, if the city were to proceed with constructing a full RO facility and a pipeline capable of handling 28 million gallons per day from the Nueces River, the capital expenditure could reach around $350 million. This substantial investment underscores the city's commitment to enhancing its water infrastructure to meet growing demands.

In summary, the meeting highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to secure funding and manage costs effectively as it navigates the complexities of water resource development. The discussions set the stage for future decisions that will impact the community's water supply and overall sustainability. As the city moves forward, the council will need to balance financial considerations with the pressing need for reliable water resources.