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City staff brief council on EV Ranch brackish groundwater project as a potential 25 MGD supply
Summary
City staff and proponents briefed the City Council on a proposal to produce 25'30 million gallons per day from brackish groundwater at EV Ranch, noting test wells, treatment and pipelines are required.
City staff and proponents of a brackish groundwater proposal for the Eshelman-Voigt (EV) Ranch described the project to the City Council on Feb. 11, laying out a potential path to 25-30 million gallons per day of new supply.
The proposal, led by Michael Mintz of Catahoula Water Company and partner Daryl Brownlee, would draw from a deep Catahoula aquifer beneath EV Ranch and treat the brackish water with reverse osmosis before delivering it to existing conveyance (potentially via South Texas Water Authority) and the Owen Stevens Water Treatment Plant. Project proponents estimate 30,000 acre-feet per year (roughly 25 MGD) as a conservative starting point.
Why it matters: Corpus Christi is pursuing diverse new supplies to address ongoing reservoir shortages. A large, wheeled groundwater source could provide regional capacity and reduce reliance on desalination at sensitive coastal sites; however, costs and permitting for pipelines, treatment and brine disposal are significant.
Key technical points: Proponents said the ranch is roughly 70 miles from the city's nearest large pipeline and about 46 miles to South Texas Water Authority conveyance; preliminary pipeline cost estimates varied widely in early scoping (from $3.9M/mile to $6.6M/mile depending on assumptions). The water quality is brackish and will require RO treatment; brine disposal is envisioned via deep injection wells. Royalty terms were discussed; the EV Ranch team proposed a royalty of $0.30 per 1,000 gallons as a starting point, which staff described as competitive compared with other offers.
Next steps and funding: Proponents and staff said a feasibility study and test well drilling are necessary next steps. The Port of Corpus Christi indicated interest in putting a feasibility grant before its long-range planning committee; staff proposed a study budget of roughly $3 million to evaluate well performance, water quality and pipeline options. Staff also recommended early engagement with potential conveyance partners such as South Texas Water Authority and regional water districts.
Ending: Council members asked for more cost detail and engineering validation before committing. Staff said the City supports continuing due diligence and recommended coordinating a feasibility study with regional partners, including the Port and South Texas Water Authority.
