In April 2002, Governor Rick Perry tasked the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) with developing a proposal to build Texas' very first large-scale seawater desalination plant to produce drinking water. The following year, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1370 directing the agency to undertake or participate in research, feasibility and facility planning studies, investigations, and surveys as needed to advance the development of cost-effective water supplies from seawater desalination in the state.
Since Governor Perry's proclamation in 2002, the TWDB has expanded its scope of desalination activities to include brackish groundwater which is in abundant supply in many areas of the state.
This site is dedicated to providing information on TWDB's desalination activities. We hope you find the information useful. If you have any suggestions on improving the site, or would like to see a specific item on the site, please do not hesitate to let us know. Your feedback is important to us.