Residents in Galveston County are set to discuss a proposed desalination plant in Texas City as EPCOR Utilities seeks state approval. While the project aims to boost water security, concerns over environmental impacts on Galveston Bay are drawing community attention.
On Thursday, residents of Galveston County will have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding a proposed desalination plant in Texas City. Officials and community members are preparing to discuss the potential benefits and environmental issues associated with the project.
EPCOR Utilities Inc., based in Canada, is pursuing state approval for the construction of a seawater desalination facility on the south shore of Galveston Bay. According to the company, the facility is set to transform seawater into potable water, producing up to 24.5 million gallons per day to serve a population of nearly 8 million people.
Bayshore Town Square, a local organization, is hosting a public meeting at the Bacliff Volunteer Fire Department from 7 to 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend to gather information and express their concerns.
“We invite you to spread the word about this event and bring along your friends and family to help them grasp the current happenings in our community,” the group stated in a flyer shared on social media.
EPCOR submitted a discharge permit application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in October 2025, a necessary step for advancing the project. The new facility is set to rise on the grounds of the former PHR Peakers Plant, a site that was devastated by a fire in November 2025. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Proponents of desalination argue that the initiative could meet the enduring water demands of a rapidly expanding area. Nonetheless, certain residents, especially those connected to the Galveston Bay fishing industry, are voicing concerns about the potential impact of the plant’s discharge on marine ecosystems.
“I dedicated a significant portion of my day to discussions with shrimpers and oystermen from Galveston Bay … there is a deep concern regarding the proposed desalination project and its potential effects on our beloved Galveston Bay,” a resident shared in a community Facebook group.
EPCOR representatives assert that environmental risks have been thoroughly examined and addressed. The company has provided two separate environmental analyses in support of its application. A recent study indicated that the plant's discharge would have minimal impact within half a mile of the bay. Another study concluded that salinity levels would stay within ranges suitable for fish, oysters, crab, and shrimp.
“Understanding that Galveston Bay is crucial for the economy, EPCOR stressed the need to understand and actively manage possible effects,” the company said in an October 2025 announcement, pointing out actions like lowering intake speed and managing discharge salinity.
The proposal emerges amid ongoing struggles faced by other coastal cities in Texas, such as Corpus Christi, as they confront water supply issues and discuss desalination initiatives.
We anticipate that residents from Bacliff, San Leon, and nearby communities will attend Thursday's meeting. Event organizers have extended invitations to State Rep. Terri Leo Wilson and EPCOR representatives to attend and address any inquiries.
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