A seawater desalination plant is planned for South Padre Island, aiming to address the Rio Grande Valley's water issues. The plant, a joint venture between US Desal and IDE Technologies, will produce water that is privately owned. The $1 billion plant's output will be sold at a set price, but costs will vary depending on the distance from the plant.

Distribution infrastructure will be publicly managed. Cities and water districts in the region may rely on this new resource. Further details about the RGV-Desal desalination plant and its operations are available from the source, including information about the plant's potential impact on the local water supply.