Brownsville Seawater Deaslination Pilot
WaterPR helped mark the opening of promising era in Texas water supply issues with the successful launch of the Brownsville Desalination Pilot Project in February 2007. Although other brackish groundwater desal projects are in operation around the state, this is the first seawater project of its kind in Texas.
Developed for the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, the pilot is the first step toward a full-scale facility capable of producing 25 million gallons per day of drinking water for a region desperate for new, drought-proof water resources.
WaterPR was tasked with publicizing the event and drawing the attention of water-policy decision makers from around the state. We mapped out a strategy to demystify the process to the general public and build widespread awareness for this cutting-edge pilot project.
Our outreach strategies to educate the media and the public on this breakthrough enterprise included print collateral and a website. A full-color brochure, illustrated with easy-to-follow schematics and written in every day language, provides an effective introduction to new audiences. An online resource, www.desal.org, provides additional support for the project.
WaterPR orchestrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February 2007 to officially inaugurate the pilot. We secured a VIP guest list, including keynote speaker the Honorable Ken Armbrister, legislative director for Governor Rick Perry. Other attendees were Texas Water Development Board Chairman E.G. Rod Pittman, State Representative Eddie Lucio, Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos, Brownsville Public Utilities Board Chairman Robert Sanchez, and Martin Arambula, Chairman, Brownsville Navigation District-Port of Brownsville. Local media were in full attendance as well, ensuring complete coverage in the Brownsville area.
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