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The region faces increasing pressure caused by more frequent droughts and rapid population and economic growth. Protecting existing water supply sources while developing new, reliable ones, is essential. Desalination provides a drought-resilient, rainfall-independent water supply that strengthens long-term regional weater security.
RGV Desal is a partnership between U.S. Desalination and IDE Technologies working to develop, design, finance, and operate a seawater desalination facility for the Rio Grande Valley.
Designed as a long-term, drought-resilient water source, the plant will use advanced technologies, such as reverse osmosis and energy recovery systems, to transform seawater into clean potable water, reducing dependence on other less reliable water sources such as rainfall, river flows, and groundwater.
A stable, rainfall-independent supply for the area
Reliable water to support municipalities, businesses, agriculture, and future investment
Advanced desalination designed for efficiency, safety, and responsible environmental performance
Private-sector expertise working with local stakeholders to support transparency, affordability, and long-term regional value
RGV Desal brings together the global desalination experience of IDE Technologies and the U.S. infrastructure development experience of U.S. Desalination.
Together, the partnership is working with regional stakeholders to advance a long-term water supply solution designed for the needs of South Texas.
A global leader in advanced desalination and water treatment solutions, with decades of experience developing, designing, building, and operating large-scale water facilities worldwide.
A U.S.-based water infrastructure developer focused on advancing desalination solutions in water-scarce and drought-prone regions.
A joint initiative created to support a reliable, sustainable water future for the Rio Grande Valley.
● 1,500 new residents move to Texas each day
(500k in 2025);
● Estimated TGV population to grow from
1.43 million to more than 4 million in 2070*
*Source: Texas Water Development Board
Severe drought likely to cause:
● $165-190 billion in lost GDP;
● Hundreds of thousands of jobs lost in
Texas and the RGV
● $1B appropriated in 2023 via Texas Water Fund;
● SB7 appropriated $2.5B for FY25-26;
● +1B/yr appropriations over 20 years (pending Voter approval)
"The Texas economy runs on water."
Senator Perry
RGV Desal is engaging with communities, agencies, utilities, businesses, and local leaders to support informed conversations about desalination and long-term water resilience. Have a question, concern, or meeting request? Contact the RGV Desal team. General inquiries: info@rgvdesal.com
Community questions: comms@usdesal.com Albert Escobedo – US Desal & RGV Desal South Texas Government Affairs Director Phone: (956) 617-3586 aescobedo@usdesal.com Mark M. Ellison – IDE Water Assets Texas Regional Sales Director Phone: (979) 676-2601 marke@ide-tech.com
The Rio Grande Valley needs additional water sources that can support the region through drought, growth, and long-term pressure on existing freshwater supplies.