San Benito Wetlands Project Phase 3

Summary

In 2012, the Texas Water Resource Institute (TWRI) initiated a wastewater reuse and tertiary treatment project with the Cities of Harlingen and San Benito.  In Phases 1 and 2 of the project, TWRI installed piping to recondition a 165-acre site, increasing wastewater treatment at the wetland polishing cells and improving the site’s native wetland areas. In Phase 3, TWRI will install infrastructure needed to divert treated effluent into three 10-acre settling/evaporation ponds, renovate a pier to facilitate public access and environmental education, restore native wetland and riparian habitat, and conduct water quality monitoring. Texas Water Resource Institute will conduct at least three workshops to educate the public and community leaders on the importance of wetlands and provide information about the project.