Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Notice of Funding Opportunity No.: R23AS00076 

Funding Program: WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Project Name: Port Isabel Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility 

Applicant: Laguna Madre Water District (LMWD) 

Address: 105 Port Road, Port Isabel, Texas 78578 

Project Manager: Charles Ortiz, PE, LMWD District Engineer 

Email: cortiz@lmwd.org 

Telephone: (956) 943-2626 Ext. 130 

Funding Group: Funding Group I 

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): N89VVSYLQ619 

Table of Contents 

Section 1: Executive Summary 

Section 2: Project Location 

Section 3: Project Description 

Section 4: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

4.1 Evaluation Criterion 1 – Project Planning and Analysis 

4.2 Evaluation Criterion 2 – Stretching Water Supplies 

4.3 Evaluation Criterion 3 – Environment and Water Quality 

4.4 Evaluation Criterion 4 – Department of the Interior Priorities 

4.5 Evaluation Criterion 5 – Watershed Perspective 

Section 5: Project Budget 

5.1 Funding Plan 

5.2 Letters of Commitment 

5.3 Budget Proposal 

5.4 Budget Narrative 

Section 6: Letters of Support 

Section 7: Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement 

Appendices 

Appendix A: Official Resolution 

1. LMWD Resolution No. 199-03-23; Anticipated resolution approval date of March 8, 2023 

Appendix B: Letters of Support 

1. City of Laguna Vista 

2. City of Los Fresnos 

3. City of Port Isabel 

4. City of South Padre Island 

5. Coastal Realty 

6. Long Island Village 

7. Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Section 1: Executive Summary 

Date: February 2023 

Applicant Name and Project Location: Laguna Madre Water District, Port Isabel, Texas, Cameron County 

Project Summary: The proposed work is to complete a feasibility study for a seawater desalination water 

treatment facility in the City of Port Isabel, Texas. The Texas State Water Plan includes a potable water reuse 

project as well as a seawater desalination water treatment facility project by Laguna Madre Water District 

(LMWD or District) as part of the water management strategy. LMWD has already a completed an approved 

feasibility study from the Bureau of Reclamation for the potable water reuse project and this work will focus 

on completing and seeking approval from the Bureau of Reclamation on a feasibility study for the seawater 

desalination water treatment facility project identified in the state water plan. LMWD is aware of the Bureau 

of Reclamation’s requirements under their WTR 11-01 Directives and Standards for Feasibility Studies and 

will follow these guidelines during the development of the study. The proposed activities under this work 

include planning activities, preliminary design, and environmental compliance activities required to develop 

the necessary information to pursue the future design and construction of a seawater desalination water 

treatment facility to serve the water demands of LMWD. 

The District maintains its own water supply system from the Rio Grande to two existing water treatment plants 

that provide water to a total service area of 36,429 acres. The authorized amount for LMWD of municipal 

water rights from the Rio Grande is 7,696 acre-feet which is reduced to 5,946 acre-feet under drought 

conditions. There are two reservoirs in the area, Falcon and Amistad that are fed from the Rio Grande and 

when those two reservoirs combined balance is less than 50% capacity, the District authorized amount 

increases/decreases by 145.8 acre-feet per year for each percentage change +/- in capacity. Considering 

that the sole source of water supply for the District is the Rio Grande, the variability of water available during 

periods of drought, and the District’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico with hurricanes being the most frequent 

natural hazard affecting the area, a need for diversifying the water supply in this region is critical to ensure a 

resilient capability to deliver water safely to its customers. 

Project Duration and Estimated Completion Date: The proposed Feasibility Study for this Port Isabel 

Seawater Desalination Water Treatment Facility is anticipated to begin around October 2023 and be 

completed no later than December 2024. 

Will the project involve Federal lands? The project will impact federally controlled property in the Brazos 

Island Harbor Channel and LMWD has worked in the past with the United States Army Corps of Engineers 

(USACE) for previous projects in this area. Until a final location is determined for the actual location of the 

seawater desalination water treatment facility, LMWD will continue to communicate and work with USACE 

during the feasibility study and determine the location of any infrastructure that will impact the Federally 

controlled property in the Brazos Island Harbor Channel, at which point proper authorization and permitting 

will be prepared and requested. 

Section 2: Project Location 

The District is located in Port Isabel in southeastern Cameron County, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico as shown 

in Figure 1. The District currently provides water and wastewater services to the City of Port Isabel, City of 

South Padre Island, Village of Laguna Vista, and unincorporated areas of Cameron County including Laguna 

Page 2 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Heights and Long Island. The proposed seawater desalination water treatment plant project would be located 

in the City of Port Isabel, which is identified by the red circle on Figure 1. 

Figure 1: Laguna Madre Water District Water Service Map 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Section 3: Project Description 

Applicant Category: Seeking to apply under Funding Group 1 which provides up to $1M in federal funds for 

planning, preliminary design, and environmental compliance activities that may take no more than 24 months 

to complete. 

Eligibility of Applicant: The Laguna Madre Water District is a water district in Cameron County, Texas that 

provides water and wastewater services to the City of Port Isabel, City of South Padre Island, Village of 

Laguna Vista, and unincorporated areas of Cameron County including Laguna Heights and Long Island. A 

water district in the State of Texas is an eligible entity for Funding Group I per Section C.1.1. in the Notice of 

Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

Goals: The goal of the proposed project is to complete a Feasibility Study report per Bureau of Reclamation’s 

requirements under their WTR 11-01 Directives and Standards for a seawater desalination water treatment 

facility in Port Isabel, Texas. 

LMWD serves a population of 45,264 customers through 15,088 connections and is comprised of ten class 

types: residential, commercial, industrial, churches, schools, hotels, mobile homes, apartments, restaurants, 

condominiums, and unassigned. The system demand fluctuates depending on seasonal water usage and 

the number of visitors South Padre Island has at any given time. The year-round warm weather area is a 

popular tourist destination known for its beaches, dolphin watches, fishing (redfish, trout, and flounder), bird 

watching, and golf. The challenges faced are population growth, increased demand, diminishing supplies, 

stringent regulations, and an aging infrastructure. The most significant issues for LMWD are water supply 

and distribution pipelines. According to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the population growth 

for the LMWD service area is estimated to be about 20% every ten years from 2020 to 2070. Table 1 

summarizes existing and projected water demands by planning year in millions of gallons per day (MGD). 

While the permanent population within the District is above 10,000 people, more than 100,000 people travel 

to the area during the peak summer tourist season. In order to meet the peak hour demands projected in 

2042 of 9.65 MGD, this proposed feasibility study will assess a 3 MGD seawater desalination water treatment 

facility with the capability to expand to 5 MGD, which could significantly reduce the District’s dependence on 

the Rio Grande and accommodate these demands while ensuring growth does not adversely impact region. 

Table 1: Existing and Projected Water Demands 

Average Day Demand Year (MGD) Maximum Day Demand (MGD) Peak Hour Demand (MGD) 

2022 3.27 5.97 7.17 

2027 3.82 6.97 8.36 

2032 4.01 7.32 8.78 

2042 4.40 8.04 9.65 

The objectives and tasks this work will focus on are explained below; as data is collected during the planning 

process, these tasks could be expanded or adjusted to accommodate any additional information that is 

discovered during the feasibility study. 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

• Task 1 – Conduct a Raw Water Source Characterization: Assess the raw water source quality and update 

any physical characteristics of the topography as well as current and tidal analysis. 

• Task 2 – Alternatives Analysis: Conduct a thorough alternatives analysis on the site location and 

approach to ensure the best site for this project is identified. An in-depth view of the latest information on 

various intakes and outfalls will also be assessed to ensure a well-informed recommendation is provided 

taking into account environmental considerations as well as climate change impacts. 

• Task 3 – Technology Assessment: Assess the latest advancements in pretreatment technologies for 

seawater treatment as well the post-treatment and concentrate disposal options. Unique design 

considerations for this location would be the climate change impacts seen with stronger hurricanes that 

hit this area as well as an increase in frequency that would need to be considered during pre-design 

evaluations of the proposed treatment system. Other areas to consider are the corrosion protection 

required in materials, as well as the proper blending with the current water chemistry that comes from 

the Rio Grande water. 

• Task 4 – Conceptual Design: A conceptual design will be completed and included in the feasibility study. 

• Task 5 – Environmental Considerations: An initial assessment of the various environmental compliance 

and considerations this project will require will also be included. These may pertain to permitting and 

approval requirements, working with USACE on the federal land permitting that might be required, and 

estimations on timeline and costs for these permits and considerations. 

• Task 6 – Cost Data Development: Capital cost of the project and alternatives will be assessed to include 

purchasing of potable water from other nearby districts as well as a no project alternative. The operational 

and maintenance costs will also be assessed for this project and for alternatives. 

Section 4: Technical Proposal and Evaluation Criteria 

4.1 Evaluation Criterion 1 – Project Planning and Analysis 

4.1.a Subcriterion 1a – Water Recycling Needs and Opportunities 

1. Describe the problems and needs in the project area. 

The District is located in southeastern Cameron County, Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico and is headquartered 

in Port Isabel, Texas. LMWD maintains its own water supply system from the Rio Grande, which provides 

water to a total service area of 36,429 acres. The authorized amount for LMWD of municipal water rights 

from the Rio Grande is 7,696 acre-feet (6.87 MGD), which is reduced to 5,946 acre-feet (5.3 MGD) under 

drought conditions. During drought conditions, over 1 MGD in reduction is required with the potential for 

additional reduction depending on the severity and duration of the drought. 

The challenges faced are population growth, increased demand, diminishing supplies, stringent regulations, 

aging infrastructure, and the sole dependence on the Rio Grande as their sole water source. The variability 

in water demand for this area is also a challenge due to its seasonal tourism which based on the data provided 

in Table 1 the average demand can go from 3.2 MGD to a peak hour demand of 7 MGD. Which is not possible 

to meet during periods of drought when the water rights to the Rio Grande are reduced to levels around 5 

MGD. 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

A need to diversify the water sources and augmenting water supplies are key to ensure LMWD can deliver 

safe water to its stakeholders and meet its projected growth. 

2. Describe the current and projected water supplies and demands in the project area; include a 

discussion on supply and demand imbalances. Additional consideration will be given to 

proposals that explain how the problems and needs in the area may be impacted by climate 

change, and/or if supply and demand projections will include climate change information. 

According to the TWDB, the population growth for the LMWD service area is estimated to be about 20% 

every ten years from 2020 to 2070. The projected population for 2030 is 54,317 with a raw demand of 6,406 

acre-feet (5.7 MGD). Table 1 provided in Section 3 of the application provides data for projected water 

demands with average demand as well as a peak hour demand since the project area has seasonal peaks 

due to its significant tourism. Also, the sole source of water supply for LMWD is the Rio Grande with allocated 

water rights of up to 6.87 MGD; however, in periods of drought, that allocation is reduced to around 5.3 MGD 

with additional cuts that can go into effect depending on the severity and the length of the drought. 

Due to its location by the Gulf of Mexico, this area is also impacted by hurricanes. Due to climate change, as 

hurricanes and storms become more frequent and, in some cases, more severe, the need to diversify the 

water sources for LMWD is crucial to ensure water will still be available if a hurricane was to go through the 

area. LMWD’s dependence on a sole surface water source that can be impacted by climate change through 

both droughts and hurricanes further highlights the critical need to diversify the water portfolio. 

The feasibility study proposed for this project would complete the water management strategy for this region 

as LMWD moves forward with work already outlined in the Water Recycling Feasibility Study. How climate 

change impacts this region will be better assessed to provide crucial updates on the supply demand needs 

by having both the water recycling and the seawater desalination studies completed to fully complete a muchneeded diversification of water supplies and fortify the resiliency of these sources. 

3. Describe how the planning activities will investigate potential uses and markets for reclaimed or 

desalinated water (e.g., environmental restoration, fish and wildlife, groundwater recharge, 

municipal, domestic, industrial, agricultural, power generation, and recreation). 

The planning activities as stated in the objectives will investigate the raw water source for its successful 

treatment to augment the water supplies for the region that can be used for potable and non-potable uses. 

LMWD currently serves a population of 45,264 customers through 15,088 connections and is comprised of 

ten class types; they are residential, commercial, industrial, churches, schools, hotels, mobile homes, 

apartments, restaurants, condominiums, and unassigned. With these various types of customers, a seawater 

desalinated water supply will be a resilient source that can deliver consistent water of the quality required by 

all of the ten identified class types. Alternatives will be assessed as part of the feasibility study and 

opportunities to partner and collaborate with other water districts in the region can be incorporated as well. 

The water quality of the District’s current water supply from the Rio Grande will be detailed as part of the 

feasibility study. There are a number of segments from the Rio Grande that are listed as part of both the 

303(d) and 305(b) Lists for the State of Texas. According to the EPA, Category 5 of the 303(d) List in the 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

2022 State of Texas Integrated Report includes the state’s most impaired of threatened surface waterbodies; 

once included, a priority is assigned by the state for the development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) 

based on the severity of the pollution and the waterbody’s uses (40 C.F.R. §130.7(b)(4)). Table 2 below 

includes the segments of the Rio Grande that are listed as part of the 303(d) List for the 2022 Texas Integrated 

Report along with their identification, impairment description, first year listed, and impairment category. 

Table 2: Rio Grande Segment Information - 2022 Texas Integrated Report 303(d) List (Source) 

Segment 

ID Segment Name ID Impairment Description 

First Year 

Listed 

Impairment 

Category 

2302 Rio Grande Below 

Falcon Reservoir 2302_03 Bacteria in Water (Recreation Use) 1996 5c 

2304 Rio Grande Below 

Amistad Reservoir 

2304_01, 2304_02, 

2304_03, 2304_07, 

2304_09 

Bacteria in Water 

(Recreation Use) 1996 5c 

2306 

Rio Grande 

Above Amistad 

Reservoir 

2306_01, 2306_02, 

2306_03, 2306_04, 

2306_05, 2306_06, 

2306_07, 2306_08 

Sulfate in Water 2010 5b 

Chloride in Water 

2307_01, 2307_02 1996 5c 

Total Dissolved 

Rio Grande Below Solids in Water 

2307 Riverside Bacteria in Water Diversion Dam 2002 (Recreation Use) 2307_03, 2307_04, Chloride in Water 1996 5c 2307_05 Total Dissolved 1996 Solids in Water 

Rio Grande Below Bacteria in Water 2308 2308_01 2014 5c International Dam (Recreation Use) 

Rio Grande Bacteria in Water 2314 Above 2314_01 2002 5c (Recreation Use) International Dam 

The listings in Table 2 support the idea that treated seawater could ultimately be a higher-quality source of 

water for the District that could open the door for new industries and markets to become established in the 

area. Higher quality water expands the potential for a variety of business types that may require cleaner 

water to operate. New businesses could bring additional job opportunities that currently do not exist 

throughout the District’s service area and the surrounding areas. 

4. Describe the source water that will be considered for the project, including location, capacities, 

existing flows, treatment processes, and quantities of impaired water available to meet the new 

reclaimed, recycled, or desalinated water demands. 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

The water source that will be considered for the project is seawater near the City of Port Isabel, with an intake 

potentially in the Laguna Madre Bay. The Laguna Madre Bay is the body of water that is between the City of 

Port Isabel and the City of South Padre Island, which can be seen in Figure 1 in this application. The initial 

seawater desalination plant is estimated to be built at a 3 MGD capacity with the ability to expand to a 5 MGD 

capacity to ensure it can provide additional water supplies to meet the peak hour demands projected in 2042 

of 7 MGD when combined with the Rio Grande. In the executive summary it was mentioned that LMWD has 

a potable water reuse feasibility study approved by the Bureau of Reclamation. The projection is for that 

project to provide an additional 1 MGD of new water supplies by 2040. In combination with the potential future 

5 MGD capacity from the seawater desalination facility, the peak hour demand would only require 1 MGD be 

sourced out of the Rio Grande River, providing a reduction of up to 4 MGD from the river during that peak 

hour. 

4.1.b Subcriterion 1b – Evaluation of Project Alternatives 

1. Describe the objectives that all alternatives will be designed to meet. What other water supply 

alternatives and project alternatives will be investigated? 

The main objective that all alternatives will be designed to meet is the diversification of the District’s water

supply portfolio. Through the addition of another water source, the District will increase the overall resiliency 

of their system and not be solely dependent upon water from the Rio Grande River that can be significantly 

affected by drought, hurricanes, and other water users. 

At this point in time, other water supply and project alternatives that will be investigated include potable reuse, 

purchasing water from a neighboring district to be transported to the District via a pipeline and pump 

station(s), and groundwater supply. There is a possibility that other alternatives will be identified and 

evaluated throughout the course of this feasibility study. 

2. Describe how the planning activities will develop project alternatives (water supply sources, 

reuse strategies, or treatment technologies) that have been or will be investigated. 

LMWD has already started to look into treating their wastewater and building an advanced water treatment 

plant to incorporate potable reuse as a new source of water. From the approved feasibility study for the 

potable reuse project, it is estimated that up to 1 MGD in new water could be available by 2040. From that 

study, an estimated cost of $2.50 per 1,000 gallons is what will be assessed during this planning to update 

the cost of this already identified alternative. Another alternative is the potential to purchase water from a 

neighboring district. The cost of a pipeline and pump station(s) will be assessed during this effort to obtain a 

valid comparison. The District’s close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico limits their opportunity to utilize 

groundwater as another water source, but with the objective to assess the topography of the region, this 

option can be evaluated and assessed as an alternative if viable. 

The treatment technologies that are widely used in seawater desalination are membranes with reverse 

osmosis being the world-wide used technology. Pretreatment is the first stage of the desalination process 

and with seawater as the source, this stage would ensure the removal of algae, organic materials, and other 

particles. Typically, this pretreatment is a multimedia filter that could be layers of sand and other media such 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

as anthracite. From there, the water moves to a secondary pretreatment, typically a microfiltration membrane 

system to remove any smaller particles that could foul or impact the reverse osmosis membranes. The water 

then goes through seawater reverse osmosis membranes to remove the dissolved salts. The last steps are 

post-treatment to add some minerals back into the water as well as a disinfectant, such as chlorine, and then 

to storage or distribution. The brine created from the desalination process will also have to go through its own 

assessment to determine the best way to return it back. This evaluation will be done by analyzing various 

outfalls and diffusers that are currently being used and implemented in various seawater desalination 

treatment plants across the world. 

3. Provide a general description of the selected project, including project features, benefits, 

anticipated costs, and analyses conducted. 

In 2010, LMWD completed a feasibility study for a seawater desalination plant to be located on South Padre 

Island. The capital cost mentioned in the study was $12M with a life cycle cost of $4.79 per 1,000 gallons of 

water treated. The study from 2010 will be used as a reference, but this new study will re-evaluate and 

reassess the costs and alternatives that were identified in the original. With inflation and the ongoing supply 

chain challenges, costs will certainly be much higher than the 2010 dollars that were identified in the previous 

study. 

Typically, the operation and maintenance costs are higher for seawater desalination than the initial capital 

investment; however, advancements in membranes, optimization of treatment trains, and technology 

advancements for the recovery and reduction of energy are all anticipated to reduce the cost of desalination. 

4. Include a preliminary schedule showing major tasks, milestones, and dates for the planning, 

design, and construction activities related to the project. 

Table 3: Preliminary Project Schedule 

Task 2023 

Q4 Q1 

2024 

Q2 Q3 Q4 

1.0 Project Management X X X X X 

2.0 Team Meetings X X X X X 

3.0 Raw Water Source 

Characterization X 

4.0 Alternatives Analysis X 

5.0 Technology Assessment X X 

6.0 Conceptual Design X X 

7.0 Environmental Considerations X X X 

8.0 Cost Data Development X X 

9.0 Feasibility Study Report 

Submitted to the Bureau of X 

Reclamation 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

4.2 Evaluation Criterion 2 – Stretching Water Supplies 

1. Describe the potential for the project to reduce, postpone, or eliminate the development of new 

or expanded non-recycled water supplies. 

There are two reservoirs in the area, Falcon and Amistad. These reservoirs are fed from the Rio Grande. 

When the two reservoirs’ combined balance is less than 50% capacity, the District’s authorized amount 

increases/decreases by 145.8 acre-feet per year for each percentage change +/- in capacity. According to 

Water Data for Texas1, in August 2022, Amistad reservoir was 32.7% full and Falcon reservoir was 12% full. 

This means that they were at a combined total of 23.81% and that LMWD had an additional reduction of 

145.8 acre-ft per year for each percentage change in capacity from their already reduced water allocation 

due to drought. With a seawater desalination water treatment facility that can initially provide up to 3 MGD in 

new water supplies, the District could ensure that there will be enough water to meet demand as well as 

reduce the amount of water that is currently being pulled from the Rio Grande. In turn, this reduction will 

increase the capacities of the Falcon and Amistad Reservoirs and minimize the need to enforce additional 

water cuts to water users during times of drought and/or when the reservoirs are at less than 50% combined 

capacity. These water savings would also provide more allocation for agriculture users having Class A and 

Class B water rights and reduce water stress for farmers. 

1Water Data for Texas 

2. Describe the potential for the project to alleviate pressure on existing water supplies and/or 

facilities. Please describe the existing water supplies, identify the supplies and/or facilities that 

will be impacted and explain how they will be impacted by the Project, including quantifications 

where applicable. 

As mentioned in the previous question, this project will alleviate some of the pressure on the Rio Grande. By 

lessening the amount being withdrawn from the Rio Grande, more water will be able to stay stored at the 

Falcon and Amistad Reservoirs. This increase in water in the reservoirs could help to potentially avoid 

reductions in water allocations for users during periods of drought by allowing the reservoirs to stay at higher 

than 50% capacity. This change would positively impact the majority of other users of the Rio Grande north 

of LMWD, since a reduction in LMWD’s surface water demand could potentially benefit other entities that rely 

solely on the river. 

3. Describe the potential for the project to make water available to address a specific concern. 

Explain the specific concern and its severity. Also explain the role of the project being 

investigated in addressing that concern and the extent to which the project will address it. 

Specific concerns may include, but are not limited to water supply shortages, water supply 

reliability, groundwater depletion, water quality issues, natural disasters that may impact water 

supply infrastructure, heightened competition for water supplies, availability of alternative 

supplies, increasing cost of water supplies. 

The challenges LMWD faces are population growth, increased demand, diminishing supplies, stringent 

regulations, aging infrastructure, and climate change impacts from severe droughts and extreme hurricane 

storms. Since the only water source is the Rio Grande, inadequate water supply to meet expected water 

demands is the main concern. According to the TWDB, the population growth for the LMWD service area is 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

estimated to be about 20% every ten years from 2020 to 2070. LMWD also has extreme seasonal peak water 

demands due to tourism and is a favored vacation spot, particularly during the summer months. The water 

demand projections during peaks in 2042 are above 7 MGD, while the amount of water that the District could 

obtain from the river is no more than 6.8 MGD in times of excess and around 5 MGD when the Rio Grande 

is impacted by severe drought. With no other viable water source, the proposed project will offer the ability 

to initially create an additional 3 MGD of supply with the potential of up to 5 MGD by 2042. This additional 

supply will enable the District to be able to meet peak demands and also have adequate supply for their 

projected population growth. 

4. Describe the potential for the project to help create additional flexibility to address drought. Will 

water made available by the project being investigated continue to be available during periods of 

drought? To what extent is the water made available by the project being investigated more 

drought resistant than alternative water supply options? Explain. 

Seawater desalination is sustainable and will not be impacted by drought. It is also very consistent in terms 

of water quality and no other alternative water source provides the flexibility to increase capacity to meet 

growing demands as far into the future as desalination does. One potential unique challenge for this project 

is the impact of a strong hurricane that could impact source reliability, but this potential would be thoroughly 

assessed as part of this project. 

4.3 Evaluation Criterion 3 – Environment and Water Quality 

1. Describe the potential for the project to improve the quality of surface water or groundwater. 

This project has the potential to improve the quality of the water in the Rio Grande as the District’s decreased

withdrawal would enable more water to stay in the river to undergo natural remediation. By having more water 

in the river, it could reduce the concentration of contaminants such as salt that accumulate along the route 

of the Rio Grande as well as during periods of drought. Regarding the concentrate created by desalination, 

it is well documented in literature that disposing of the concentrate back into the ocean does not affect the 

water quality of the ocean and has no measured impact on the water quality near the outfall either. The 

feasibility study will allow the ability to assess any impacts from the intake and outfall at Port Isabel as each 

area is unique. Other desalination plants such as the one in Carlsbad, CA blend the concentrate with a 

percentage of seawater very close to the outfall before it is released back into the ocean. The project has the 

potential to improve the quality of the water from the Rio Grande and will not impact the quality of the 

seawater. 

2. Describe the potential for the project to improve effluent quality beyond levels necessary to meet 

State or Federal discharge requirements. 

There is currently no operational seawater desalination plant in Texas. The District will be working closely 

with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) during the feasibility study to ensure that state 

guidelines for discharge requirements are closely evaluated and effluent quality is met based on the 

requirements. 

Page 11 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
3. Describe the potential for the project to improve flow conditions in a natural stream channel. 

This project will allow for increased flow along the Rio Grande that will improve the overall condition of the 

river in its natural stream channel and will restore flow of the river back into the ocean due to decreased 

withdrawals. Additionally, by augmenting the existing water supplies with desalinated seawater, more water 

will be available to run along the Rio Grande and eventually complete its journey as it empties into the Gulf 

of Mexico. 

4. Describe the potential for the project to restore or enhance habitat for non-listed fish and wildlife 

species. 

This project has the potential to restore and enhance existing habitats for non-listed fish and wildlife species 

through decreased withdrawal from the Rio Grande. If withdrawal is decreased and supply is supplemented 

through desalinated seawater, existing habitats could avoid destruction that they might currently face when 

river levels decrease to the point where their habitats are completely exposed. Supplemental water supply in 

the river also means that fish and wildlife species will have more consistent access to any water supplies that 

they need to maintain and cultivate their habitats. The Rio Grande lower valley area is also key for the various 

migratory birds and butterflies as they make their way south, by having additional water in the river this could 

certainly assist in ensuring these migratory birds and butterflies have adequate water and food during their 

journey every year. 

5. Describe the potential for the project to provide water or habitat for federally listed threatened or 

endangered species. 

This project has significant potential to provide water for and protect the habitats of federally listed threatened 

or endangered species. Due to the District’s immediate proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding 

coastal environment, there is an abundance of species that could benefit from this project. These species 

include, but are not limited to, Ocelot, Kemps Ridley’s Sea Turtle, Aplomado Falcons, Gulf Coast Jacarandas,

Brown Pelican, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Leatherneck Turtle, Piping Plover, American Alligator, Green Sea 

Turtle, and Loggerhead Sea Turtle. 

4.4 Evaluation Criterion 4 – Department of the Interior Priorities 

4.4.1 Climate Change 

Please provide specific details and examples on how the project will address the impacts of climate 

change and help combat the climate crisis. 

1. Does this proposed project strengthen water supply sustainability to increase resilience to 

climate change? 

According to NASA, climate change is making droughts more frequent, severe, and pervasive. For a river 

like the Rio Grande which continues to face various periods of droughts as well as an increase in water 

demand, this project would strengthen the sustainability of water not only for LMWD but also for the river. A 

seawater desalination project would obtain its water from a drought-resilient source, which creates the 

opportunity to reduce the pressure and overuse of surface water from the Rio Grande. Another challenge 

 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Page 12 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

that will have to be looked at during this feasibility study is the impact climate change is having on hurricanes 

as global warming and models predict hurricanes would become more intense. This would be assessed for 

any impact that it could have on a seawater desalination facility whose intake and outfall major infrastructure 

is in the ocean. 

2. Does the proposed project contribute to climate change resiliency in other ways not described 

above? 

No, the proposed project does not contribute to climate change resiliency in other ways that are not described 

above. 

4.4.2 Disadvantaged or Underserved Communities 

1. Will the proposed project serve or benefit a disadvantaged or historically underserved 

community? Benefits can include, but are not limited to, public health and safety by addressing 

water quality, new water supplies, or economic growth opportunities. 

Yes, the project will serve and benefit multiple disadvantaged and historically underserved communities. In 

Texas, there are two affordability criteria that must be met by entities that apply for state and/or federal 

funding through the TWDB. These criteria include having an Annual Median Household Income (AMHI) of 

less than 75% of the State of Texas’ and a Household Cost Factor (HCF) that is greater than or equal to one 

percent if only water or sewer service is provided or greater than or equal to two percent if both water and 

sewer service are provided. According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community 

Survey’s 5-Year AMHI Data, all communities included within LMWD’s service area, other than the City of 

South Padre Island, are categorized as having AMHIs that fall below the 75% threshold, as shown in Table 

4. Additionally, Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the persistent poverty census tracts and the historically 

disadvantaged census community tracts within the District’s service area as defined by the Bipartisan 

Infrastructure Law. 

Table 4: 2021 ACS AMHI Data for LMWD Service Area 

Entity 2021 ACS 5-Year AMHI 

($) 

Percentage of State of Texas’ AMHI

(%) 

State of Texas $67,321 100% 

City of Port Isabel $36,649 54% 

City of South Padre Island $60,688 90% 

Cameron County $43,057 64% 

Page 13 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Figure 2: Persistent Poverty Census Tracts (Source) 

Figure 3: Historically Disadvantaged Community Census Tracts (Source) 

Page 14 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

2. Please describe in detail how the community is disadvantaged based on a combination of 

variables listed in the NOFO. 

According to E.O. 13985, the term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular

characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to 

participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life. With this definition and the variables above in mind, 

LMWD’s service area is disadvantaged based on low income, high and/or persistent poverty, distressed 

neighborhoods, and disproportionate impacts from climate change as a result of limited water supplies. 

Additionally, tourism is a big source of income for LMWD’s service area due to its location along the coast.

South Padre Island in particular is a big tourism destination during the spring and summer. If there is not 

enough water supply to meet demand year-round, especially during high peak seasons, LMWD’s service

area will experience additional negative economic impacts from an inability to provide sufficient water to 

maintain and cultivate the existing local tourism industry. 

4.4.3 Tribal Benefits 

1. Does the proposed project directly serve and/or benefit a Tribe? Will the project improve water 

management for an Indian Tribe? 

This project will indirectly serve and benefit Tribes that utilize water from the Rio Grande north of LMWD. 

Tribes that live in New Mexico along the river will benefit from augmented water supplies as a result of 

LMWD’s decreased reliance and withdrawal from the Rio Grande. This augmented supply will help to relieve 

potential stress that the Tribes may experience during periods of lower flow. Additionally, this project will 

reflect environmental stewardship through LMWD’s shift from consistently withdrawing the maximum 

permitted amount from the river to only taking what they need as a result of expanding their water supply 

portfolio to include an additional source. 

2. Does the proposed project support Tribal resilience to climate change and drought impacts or 

provide other Tribal benefits such as improved public health and safety by addressing water 

quality, new water supplies, or economic growth opportunities? 

Yes, this project will support Tribal resilience to climate change and drought impacts by the supplemental 

water supplies that may become available as a result of decreased withdrawal downstream by LMWD. 

Additional water supplies can relieve potential stress on Tribes, especially during times of lower flow and 

drought. As a result of decreased withdrawal downstream, there is also a possibility for improved water quality 

as a result of natural remediation through increased residence time within the river. 

4.5 Evaluation Criterion 5 – Watershed Perspective 

1. Will the proposed project implement a regional or state water plan or an integrated resource 

management plan? Explain. 

Yes, the project will implement one of LMWD’s recommend water management strategies that is included in 

the Texas Water Development Board’s 2022 State Water Plan. While LMWD’s desalination project is 

Page 15 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

scheduled for 2050-2070 according to the 2022 State Water Plan, LMWD can expedite the timing of the 

project due to an increased and urgent need for an alternative water supply. Desalination supply estimates 

from the 2022 State Water Plan are included below in Table 5: 

Table 5: 2022 TWDB State Water Plan Strategy Supply Volume 

2022 TWDB State Water Plan – Strategy Supply Volume by Planning Decade (AFY) 

2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 

0 0 0 1,120 1,120 1,120 

2. Will the proposed project help meet the water supply needs of a large geographic area, region, 

or watershed? Explain. 

Yes, the proposed project will help meet the water supply needs of multiple large geographic areas. The first 

geographic area is the LMWD’s service area (Figure 1), which includes the City of Port Isabel, City of South 

Padre Island, the Village of Laguna Vista, and unincorporated areas of Cameron County including Laguna 

Heights and Long Island. The second is the Rio Grande Watershed in its entirety, which will benefit through 

decreased stress on the watershed as a whole (Figure 4). 

Figure 4: Rio Grande Watershed (Source) 

Page 16 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

3. Will the proposed project promote collaborative partnerships to address water-related issues? 

Explain. Describe stakeholder involvement in the project planning process. 

Yes, the proposed project will promote collaborative partnerships to address water-related issues. This 

project immediately involves numerous other stakeholders that rely upon LMWD for their water including the 

City of Port Isabel, City of South Padre Island, the Village of Laguna Vista, and unincorporated areas of 

Cameron County including Laguna Heights and Long Island. Each of these stakeholders will be thoroughly 

involved in the project planning process because they will be immediately impacted by any changes that 

LMWD makes to their water supply portfolio. Each stakeholder has been made aware of the project and the 

need to broaden LMWD’s water supply sources. All entities will be updated on progress throughout planning 

and decisions will be made collaboratively, this will be accomplished during quarterly meetings which unless 

required will be conducted virtually. 

4. Will the proposed project include public outreach and opportunities for the public to learn about 

the project? Explain. 

Yes, this project will include significant public outreach and education components. The need for education 

and information sharing with the public throughout planning, design, and construction of the project is critical, 

especially because there are not many seawater desalination treatment facilities in the U.S., and this project 

could end up being the first large desalination project in the State of Texas. Public education and information 

sharing will increase the public’s understanding of the project and the need for an additional reliable water 

source. Lastly, potential pushback from the public due to a lack of understanding of the motive and purpose 

for the project could be minimized or avoided altogether. 

This public outreach and education will be provided via meetings open to the public, recorded webinars that 

can be made available to the public via a project website, information pamphlets on what is seawater 

desalination treatment in English and Spanish, and new ways such as leveraging social media. A 

communication/education plan will form part of the feasibility study to ensure the public is properly informed 

via various formats such as those already described. 

Section 5: Project Budget 

5.1 Funding Plan 

The District commits a contribution of $496,750.00 towards the total project cost of $986,750. The nonFederal cost share for the project will be provided via budget allocations for salaries and wages and Capital 

Improvement Planning during updates performed at the commencement of the District’s Fiscal Year 2024.

No costs incurred prior to the project start date are included as project costs for this proposal. No additional 

State or Federal funding assistance is requested for the proposed project. 

5.2 Letters of Commitment 

No third-party funding sources are anticipated at this time. 

Page 17 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

5.3 Budget Proposal 

Table 6: Summary of Non-Federal and Federal Funding Sources 

Funding Sources Amount 

Non-Federal Entities 

1. LMWD $496,750 

Non-Federal Subtotal $496,750 

Requested Reclamation Funding $490,000 

Total Project Cost $986,750 

Table 7: Total Project Cost Table 

Source Amount 

Costs to be Reimbursed with the Requested Federal Funding $490,000 

Costs to be Paid by the Applicant $496,750 

Value of Third-Party Contributions $0 

Total Project Cost $986,750 

5.4 Budget Narrative 

Table 8: Project Budget 

Summary 

Federal Non-Federal 

Budget Object Category Total Cost Estimated Estimated 

Amount Amount 

a. Personnel $34,000 $0 $34,000 

b. Fringe Benefits $8,500 $0 $8,500 

c. Travel $0 $0 $0 

d. Equipment $0 $0 $0 

e. Supplies $0 $0 $0 

f. Contractual $940,000 $490,000 $450,000 

g. Construction $0 $0 $0 

h. Other Direct Costs $0 $0 $0 

i. Total Direct Costs $0 $0 $0 

i. Indirect Charges $4,250 $0 $4,250 

Total Costs $955,240 $490,000 $496,750 

Cost Share Percentage 49.7% 50.3% 

The project budget shown above presents the anticipated distribution of costs across various categories. 

Under the Personnel category, costs are for estimated time dedicated to the project by the Project Manager, 

Mr. Charles Ortiz, PE, District Engineer, and some of his assisting staff. The Project Manager has an 

Page 18 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

approximate hourly rate of $55/hr. and is anticipated to spend approximately 400 hours performing project 

management across the life of the project. It is anticipated that approximately two additional staff members 

will be assisting the Project Manager, with an estimated allocation of 400 total hours for these additional staff 

members, and having an average hourly rate of approximately $30/hr. 

Fringe Benefits costs are allocated as an approximate 25% of the estimated employee compensation. 

It is anticipated that the contractual costs will account for the performance of the work by a consulting 

engineering firm. The selected engineering consulting firm will perform the engineering feasibility study, as 

preliminarily described under Section 3 of this application. This will include the performance of the raw water 

source characterization, alternative analyses, technology assessment, conceptual design, environmental 

considerations, and cost data development. It is anticipated that the selected firm will be procured via a 

qualifications-based procurement process. The estimated average rate of engineering consultants with 

expertise in this field is $235/hr., with staff ranging from E-1 to E-7 (~$125/hr. to ~$415/hr.), and an 

approximate estimate of 4,000 manhours being required to complete the project as described under ‘Section

3: Project Description'. The contractual work is expected to be performed on a lump sum basis, with the total 

contract cost being subdivided into the main six tasks described in Section 3. 

No travel costs, equipment costs, supply costs, or construction costs are anticipated as part of this project, 

and no federal funding is being requested for them. Meetings will be held virtually to eliminate travel costs, 

and no additional equipment or supplies are necessary for the successful performance of the project. 

Construction is not a part of the scope of work for this project. 

The indirect charges shown in Table 8 are for 10% De Minimis costs for personnel and fringe benefits. 

Section 6: Resolution and Letters of Support 

The District’s draft resolution (Resolution No. 199-03-23) is included in Appendix A. The anticipated date of 

approval for the resolution is March 8, 2023, and the executed version will be submitted as soon as it is 

finalized. Appendix B includes letters of support for the project. 

Section 7: Overlap or Duplication of Effort Statement 

LMWD confirms that there is no overlap or any duplication of efforts between the proposed project and any 

other active or anticipated proposals or projects in terms of activities, costs, or commitment or key personnel. 

Section 8: Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement 

Per 2 CFR §1402.112, “Financial Assistance Interior Regulation” applicants must state in the application if

any actual or potential conflict of interest exists at the time of submission. There is not an actual or potential 

conflict of interest that exists at the time of submission of this application. 

Page 19 of 19 R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

LAGUl\1/i\ IADRE ~ \ 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Appendix A

Official Resolution

Appendix A R23AS00076| LMWD 
 

 

_____________________________ 

_____________________________ 

RESOLUTION NO. 199-03-23 AGREEING TO CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF 

A WATERSMART FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A 

FEASIBILITY STUDY UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF SECTION 1604 OF 

TITLE XVI OF PUBLIC LAW 102-575 FOR A PROPOSED 

PORT ISABEL SEAWATER DESALINATION FACILITY 

WHEREAS, the Laguna Madre Water District recognizes the need to conserve water 

and identify and implement alternative water supply opportunities, and 

WHEREAS, the Bureau of Reclamation has issued a Funding Opportunity 

Announcement for WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning, and 

WHEREAS, the Laguna Madre Water District desires to develop a Port Isabel Seawater 

Desalination Treatment Facility to meet these goals, now therefore; 

BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Laguna Madre Water 

District that: 

Scott Friedman, Chairman of the Board, has the legal authority to enter into an 

agreement for this project, and 

The Board of Directors of the Laguna Madre Water District being the governing 

body, supports the application submitted, and 

The General Manager, Carlos J. Galvan, Jr. has reviewed and supports the 

application to be submitted, and 

The Laguna Madre Water District has the capacity to provide the amount of 

funding and/or in kind contributions specified in the funding plan, and 

The Laguna Madre Water District will work with Reclamation to meet established 

deadlines for entering into a cooperative agreement 

PASSED AND APPROVED this 8th day of March 2023: 

ATTEST: 

CHAIRMAN 

SECRETARY 
 

LAGUl\1/i\ IADRE ~ \ 

Laguna Madre Water District Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Appendix B

Letters of Support

Appendix B R23AS00076| LMWD 
TO 

LAGUNA 

~T E X A S~ 

February 27, 2023 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Office 

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District's WaterSMART: Water Recycling and 

Desalination Planning Application for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez, 

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water District's 

application for a Feasibility Study for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination. The proposed project is 

desperately needed to consider future integration of an alternative water supply at Water 

Treatment Plant No. 1, located in Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas. Access to the Gulf of 

Mexico through the Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal location to consider augmentation of Rio 

Grande flows through a seawater desalination process. South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and 

Laguna Vista residents support this effort to reduce surface water diversions from the Rio 

Grande. 

The District's Water Demands use over 90% of available Water Rights during times of drought. 

The Falcon and Amistad Reservoir System continues to be very low as United States combined 

capacity is currently 31.16%. The Region must prepare for long-term capacity shortages in the 

Rio Grande. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD as part 

oftheir water management strategy. Our letter of support is to request a study that will focus on 

creating a feasible plan per Bureau of Reclamation's requirements under their WTR 11-01 

Directives and Standards for the seawater desalination plant project to produce an additional 3 

million gallons per day of water supplies as an initial phase and be prepared for tomorrow. The 

study will include planning activities, preliminary design, and any environmental compliance 

122 :Fernandez Street - Laguna 'Vista. 'I'exas 78578 

(956) 943-1793 - :fax: (956) 943-3111 - Website: www.(vtexa.s.us 
TO 

LAGUNA 

~T E X A S~ 

activities needed to develop the information required to pursue the schedule of having this 

seawater desalination plant online by 2050. 

We recognize the need for an alternative water supply much sooner than year 2050, and our goal 

is to see Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility materialize on an expedited basis to resolve 

Water Scarcity issues throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. 

Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge RECLAMATION to select the Laguna Madre 

Water District's Port Isabel Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study for award. I hope Bureau of 

Reclamation recognizes the value of this project that will lead the path for Seawater Desalination 

along the Texas Coast. Thank you for your attention and consideration of this request! 

~

Sincerely, 

~,J- BWJ 

City Manager 

122 jernanaez Street - .l.aauna 'Vista. 'Texas 78578 

(956) 943-1793 - jax: (956) 943-3111 - 'Website: www.lvtexas.us 
February 27, 2023 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Office 

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

COMMUNITY WITH OPPORTUNITY 

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District's WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning Application for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez, 

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water District's application for a Feasibility Study for Port Isabel 

Seawater Desalination. The proposed project is desperately needed to consider future integration of an alternative water supply at Water 

Treatment Plant No. 1, located in Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas. Access to the Gulf of Mexico through the Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal 

location to consider augmentation of Rio Grande flows through a seawater desalination process. South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and Laguna 

Vista residents support this effort to reduce surface water diversions from the Rio Grande. 

The District's Water Demands use over 90% of available Water Rights during times of drought. The Falcon and Amistad Reservoir System 

continues to be very low as United States combined capacity is currently 31.16%. The Region must prepare for long-term capacity shortages in 

the Rio Grande. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD as part of their water management strategy. Our letter 

of support is to request a study that will focus on creating a feasible plan per Bureau of Reclamation's requirements under their WTR 11-01 

Directives and Standards for the seawater desalination plant project to produce an additional 3 million gallons per day of water supplies as an 

initial phase and be prepared for tomorrow. The study will include planning activities, preliminary design, and any environmental compliance 

activities needed to develop the information required to pursue the schedule of having this seawater desalination plant online by 2050. 

We recognize the need for an alternative water supply much sooner than year 2050, and our goal is to see Seawater Desalination Treatment 

Facility materialize on an expedited basis to resolve Water Scarcity issues throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. 

Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge RECLAMATION to select the Laguna Madre Water District's Port Isabel Seawater 

Desalination Feasibility Study for award. I hope Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the value of this project that will lead the path for Seawater 

Desalination along the Texas Coast Thank you for your attention and consideration of this request! 

Sincerely, 

~1/vl~ 

Mark W. Milum 

City Manager 

CITY OF LOS FRESNOS • 520 E. OCEAN BLVD. • LOS FRESNOS, TEXAS 78566 • TEL (956) 233-5768 • FAX (956) 233-9879 

THE CITY OF LOS FRESNOS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER. 
CITY OF PORT ISABEL 

'1⁄2, Eq110I Opport1111iry Provider, Le,ukr 011d E,np/o_;-,r" 

305 East Maxan Street 

February 27, 2023 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Port Isabel, Texas 78578 

(956) 943-2682 

(956) 943-2029 Facsimile 

Water Resources and Planning Office 

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District's WaterSMART: Water 

Recycling and Desalination Planning Application for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez, 

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water 

District's application for a Feasibility Study for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination. The 

proposed project is desperately needed to consider future integration of an alternative water 

supply at Water Treatment Plant No. 1, located in Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas. 

Access to the Gulf of Mexico through the Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal location to 

consider augmentation of Rio Grande flows through a seawater desalination process. South 

Padre Island, Port Isabel, and Laguna Vista residents support this effort to reduce surface 

water diversions from the Rio Grande. 

The District's Water Demands use over 90% of available Water Rights during times of 

drought. The Falcon and Amistad Reservoir System continues to be very low as United 

States combined capacity is currently 31.16%. The Region must prepare for long-term 

capacity shortages in the Rio Grande. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD 

as part of their water management strategy. Our letter of support is to request a study that 

will focus on creating a feasible plan per Bureau of Reclamation's requirements under their 

WTR 11-01 Directives and Standards for the seawater desalination plant project to produce 

an additional 3 million gallons per day of water supplies as an initial phase and be prepared 

for tomorrow. The study will include planning activities, preliminary design, and any 

environmental compliance activities needed to develop the information required to pursue 

the schedule of having this seawater desalination plant online by 2050. 

We recognize the need for an alternative water supply much sooner than year 2050, and 

our goal is to see Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility materialize on an expedited 

basis to resolve Water Scarcity issues throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. 
Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge the US Bureau of Reclamation to 

select the Laguna Madre Water District's Port Isabel Seawater Desalination Feasibility 

Study for award. I hope Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the value of this project that 

will lead the path for Seawater Desalination along the Texas Coast. Thank you for your 

attention and c7n ideration of this request. 

Sincerely, 

---------- ED HOCKEMA 
February 27, 2023 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Office 

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District's WaterSMART: Water 

Recycling and Desalination Planning Application for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez, 

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water District's 

application for a Feasibility Study for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination. The proposed project is 

desperately needed to consider future integration of an alternative water supply at Water 

Treatment Plant No. 1, located in Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas. Access to the Gulf of 

Mexico through the Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal location to consider augmentation of Rio 

Grande flows through a seawater desalination process. South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and 

Laguna Vista residents support this effort to reduce surface water diversions from the Rio 

Grande. 

The District's Water Demands use over 90% of available Water Rights during times of drought. 

The Falcon and Amistad Reservoir System continues to be very low as United States combined 

capacity is currently 31.16%. The Region must prepare for long-term capacity shortages in the 

Rio Grande. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD as 

part of their water management strategy. Our letter of support is to request a study that will 

focus on creating a feasible plan per Bureau of Reclamation's requirements under their WTR 

11-01 Directives and Standards for the seawater desalination plant project to produce an 

additional 3 million gallons per day of water supplies as an initial phase and be prepared for 

4601 Padre Boulevard • South Padre Island, Texas 78597 • 956. 761.6456 • Fax 956. 76/.3HRR 
tomorrow. The study will include planning activities, preliminary design, and any environmental 

compliance activities needed to develop the information required to pursue the schedule of 

having this seawater desalination plant online by 2050. 

We recognize the need for an alternative water supply much sooner than the year 2050, and our 

goal is to see the Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility materialize on an expedited basis to 

resolve Water Scarcity issues throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. 

Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge RECLAMATION to select the Laguna 

Madre Water District's Port Isabel Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study for award. I hope the 

Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the value of this project that will lead the path for Seawater 

Desalination along the Texas Coast. Thank you for your attention and consideration of this 

request. 

an Smith, City Manager 

City of South Padre Island 

4601 Padre Boulevard • South Padre Island. Texas 78597 • 956. 761.6456 • FCLI: 956. 761.3888 
February 27, 2023

Bureau of Reclamation

Water Resources and Planning Office

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000

Denver, CO 80225

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District’s WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination Planning 

Application for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez,

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water District’s application for a 

Feasibility Study for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination. The proposed project is desperately needed to consider 

future integration of an alternative water supply at Water Treatment Plant No. 1, located in Port Isabel, Cameron

County, Texas. Access to the Gulf of Mexico through the Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal location to consider 

augmentation of Rio Grande flows through a seawater desalination process. South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and 

Laguna Vista residents support this effort to reduce surface water diversions from the Rio Grande. 

The District’s Water Demands use over 90% of available Water Rights during times of drought. The Falcon and 

Amistad Reservoir System continues to be very low as United States combined capacity is currently 31.16%. The 

Region must prepare for long-term capacity shortages in the Rio Grande. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD as part of their water 

management strategy. Our letter of support is to request a study that will focus on creating a feasible plan per Bureau 

of Reclamation’s requirements under their WTR 11-01 Directives and Standards for the seawater desalination plant 

project to produce an additional 3 million gallons per day of water supplies as an initial phase and be prepared for 

tomorrow. The study will include planning activities, preliminary design, and any environmental compliance activities 

needed to develop the information required to pursue the schedule of having this seawater desalination plant online 

by 2050. 

We recognize the need for an alternative water supply much sooner than year 2050, and our goal is to see Seawater 

Desalination Treatment Facility materialize on an expedited basis to resolve Water Scarcity issues throughout the Rio 

Grande Valley, Texas.

Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge RECLAMATION to select the Laguna Madre Water District’s Port 

Isabel Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study for award. I hope Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the value of this 

project that will lead the path for Seawater Desalination along the Texas Coast. Thank you for your attention and 

consideration of this request!

Sincerely,

Mark Barnard

Coastal Realty

2901 Central Blvd. Suite A

Brownsville, TX 78520

(956) 541-9000 Office

(956) 371-3003 Cell

mark@coastalrlty.com

www.coastalrlty.com

Long J§1~!L "11lage 

33772 South Garcia Street 

Port Isabel, Texas 78578 

February 27, 2023 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Office 

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District's WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination 

Planning Application for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez: 

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water District's 

application for a Feasibility Study for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination. The proposed project is 

desperately needed to consider future integration of an alternative water supply at Water Treatment 

Plant No. 1, located in Port Isabel, Cameron County, Texas. Access to the Gulf of Mexico through the 

Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal location to consider augmentation of Rio Grande flows through a 

seawater desalination process. South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and Laguna Vista residents support this 

effort to reduce surface water diversions from the Rio Grande. 

The District's Water Demands use over 90% of available Water Rights during times of drought. The 

Falcon and Amistad Reservoir System continues to be very low as United States combined capacity is 

currently 31.16%. The Region must prepare for long-term capacity shortages in the Rio Grande. This 

preparation must include forward planning and looking projects, such as a desalination plant. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD as part of 

their water management strategy. This letter of support requests a study to focus on creating a feasible 

plan per the Bureau of Reclamation's requirements under their WTR 11-01 Directives and Standards for 

the seawater desalination plant project, to produce an additional 3 million gallons per day of water 

supplies, as an initial phase and to prepare for tomorrow. The study should include planning activities, 

preliminary design, and any environmental compliance activities needed to develop the information 

required to pursue the schedule of having this seawater desalination plant online by 2050, if not earlier. 

The need for an alternative water supply much sooner than year 2050 is recognized, and it is a worthy 

goal to see a Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility materialize on an expedited basis to resolve 

Water Scarcity issues throughout the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. 
Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge RECLAMATION to select the Laguna Madre Water 

District's Port Isabel Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study for award. I hope Bureau of Reclamation 

recognizes the value of this project that will lead the path for Seawater Desalination along the Texas 

Coast. If I may provide any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for 

your attention and consideration of this request! 

Sincerely, 

General Manager 
·February 27, 2023 

Bureau of Reclamation 

Water Resources and Planning Office 

Attn: Ms. Maribeth Menendez 

P.O. BOX 25007, 86-63000 

Denver, CO 80225 

Email: mmenendez@usbr.gov 

PORT ISABEL 

SAN BENITO 

RE: Letter of Support for Laguna Madre Water District's WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination 

Planning Application for Port TsabeJ Seawater Desalination 

Dear Ms. Menendez, 

Please accept my strong support and recommendation for the Laguna Madre Water District's application for a 

Feasibility Study for Port Isabel Seawater Desalination. The proposed project is desperately needed to consider 

future integration of an alternative water supply at Water Treatment Plant No. J, located in Port Isabel., Cameron 

County, Texas. Access to the Gulf of Mexico through the Laguna Madre Bay is an optimal location to consider 

augmentation of Rio Grande flows through a seawater desalination process. South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and 

Laguna Vista residents support this effort to reduce surface water diversions from the Rio Grande. 

The District's Water Demands use over 90% ofavailable Water Rights during times of drought. The Falcon and 

Amistad Reservoir System continues to be very low as United States combined capacity is currently 31.16%. The 

Region mu_st prepare for long-term capacity shortages in the Rio Grande. 

The 2022 Texas State Water Plan includes a seawater desalination plant project by LMWD as part of their water 

management strategy. Our letter of support is to request a study that will focus on creating a feasible plan per Bureau 

of Reclamation's requirements under their WTR 11-01 Directives and Standards for the seawater desalination plant 

project to produce an additional 3 million gallons per day of water supplies as an initial phase and be prepared for 

tomotTow. The study will include planning activities, preliminary design, and any environmental compliance 

activities needed to develop the information required to pursue the schedule ofhaving this seawater desalination 

plant online by 2050. 

We recognize the need for an alternative water supply much sooner than year 2050, and our goal is to see Seawater 

Desalination Treatment Facility materialize on an expedited basis to resolve Water Scarcity issues throughout the 

Rio Grande Valley, Texas. 

Therefore, I support this project, and I strongly urge RECLAMATION to select the Laguna Madre Water District's 

Port Isabel Seawater Desalination Feasibility Study for award. I hope Bureau of Reclamation recognizes the value of 

this project that will lead the path for Seawater Desalination along the Texas Coast. Tb.auk you for your attention 

and consideration of this request! 

Sincerely, 

Steve Bearden 

Port Director/General Manager 

"This Institution is an Equal Opportunity.Provider & Employer" 

250 Industrial Drive • Turning Basin on Port Road • Port Isabel, TX 78578 • (956) 943-7826 • FAX (956) 943-8922