The Brazosport Water Authority (BWA) has been honored for a fifth time with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) Innovative or Proactive Water Systems Award, recognizing the Authority’s forward-thinking approach to securing water for the future. The BWA was previously presented with this award in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2019.
The award highlights BWA’s leadership in addressing a critical operational challenge through innovative methods developed in partnership with the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), TCEQ, the State of Texas, and The Dow Chemical Company. BWA has proactively implemented strategies to meet the growing water demands of Brazoria County and southern Fort Bend County through two landmark projects: the Harris Reservoir Expansion Project and a planned Groundwater Desalination Facility.
A Landmark Public/Private Partnership
The Harris Reservoir Expansion Project led to the creation of the Brazosport Water Supply Corporation (BWSC), a first-of-its-kind public/private partnership in Texas on this scale, with majority representation from BWA and Dow. The expansion will double current reservoir capacity – providing over six months of stored water during severe droughts and up to nine months with conservation measures in place.
This $750 million project is the first of its scope to be funded through a SWIFT loan from the Texas Water Development Board. Dow will repay 85% of the financing, with the remaining portion funded by BWA’s customer cities. Construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2025, with completion and filling of the reservoir projected for 2028.
Additional Water Security Initiatives
Alongside the reservoir expansion, BWA is advancing a Groundwater Desalination Facility through a potential Bureau of Reclamation grant. Two brackish groundwater wells have been completed, a third is awaiting wellhead improvements, and a fourth is currently being drilled. A reverse osmosis (RO) pilot plant is currently gathering critical data for the facility’s final design, with the goal of producing 6–12 million gallons of water per day.
BWA is also working to increase the capacity of its existing Surface Water Treatment Plant from 17.8 MGD to up to 23 MGD. Combined, these initiatives will provide over 30 MGD, ensuring a robust and resilient water supply for the region’s residents, industries, and communities.
“This award reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to preparing for the future and ensuring water security for generations to come,” said Ronnie Woodruff, General Manager of BWA. “Through partnerships, innovation, and proactive planning, we are building the infrastructure our communities need to thrive, even in times of drought.”