US Desalination and IDE Technologies Form RGV-Desal, LLC Joint Venture to Build 50 MGD Marine Desalination Facility for the Texas Rio Grande Valley

April 23, 2026

Brownsville, TX, USA – US Desalination LLC and IDE Technologies have announced the formation of RGV-Desal, LLC, a joint venture established to design, develop, finance, and operate a 50 million gallon per day (MGD) marine desalination facility to serve the entire Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of South Texas. The project will be privately funded and is designed to deliver a new, drought-proof water supply to one of the fastest-growing and most water-stressed regions in the United States.

The RGV-Desal facility will draw seawater from the Gulf of Mexico and utilize advanced reverse osmosis technology to produce high-quality potable water at scale. The project is structured to serve both public water utilities and industrial users across the RGV, providing a critical supplemental water source alongside the region’s existing water portfolio. With population growth accelerating and traditional water supplies increasingly constrained, the RGV-Desal facility represents a transformational investment in long-term water security for the region.

The formation of RGV-Desal is a defining moment for water infrastructure in South Texas,” said Sean Strawbridge, Chairman of the Board of US Desalination. “The Rio Grande Valley has long relied on a limited and increasingly stressed water portfolio. By partnering with IDE Technologies — a world leader in large-scale seawater desalination — we are bringing a proven, privately funded solution that will add meaningful and reliable supply for both public utilities and industrial customers across the region. This is exactly the kind of bold, market-driven infrastructure investment that will ensure the Rio Grande Valley can support its growing communities and economy for generations to come.”

IDE Technologies is a global leader in water treatment solutions with decades of experience designing and operating large-scale seawater desalination facilities worldwide, including some of the largest plants in Israel, the United States, Asia and across the Americas. IDE’s technical expertise and proven operational track record make it an ideal partner to bring the RGV-Desal project from development to full-scale operations.

IDE Technologies is proud to partner with US Desalination to bring world-class desalination infrastructure to the Rio Grande Valley,” said Lihy Teuerstein, CEO of IDE Technologies. “With over six decades of experience delivering some of the largest and most advanced desalination plants in the world, IDE is uniquely positioned to support this critical project. The RGV-Desal facility will leverage our proven technology and operational expertise to deliver a reliable, sustainable water supply for the communities and industries of the South Texas region. We are committed to making this partnership a model for privatesector-led water infrastructure development in the United States.”

The RGV-Desal facility is planned to be privately financed and developed, with water supply agreements to be established with public utilities and industrial off-takers throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The project will add a new source of supply diversity and resilience to the region’s existing water portfolio, which has historically depended on Rio Grande River allocations and groundwater resources that are subject to drought, regulatory constraints, and competing demands.

About US Desalination

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with operations spanning the U.S. South and West, US Desalination brings a universal commitment to addressing water scarcity and its associated environmental challenges. Our passion is proactive solutions to solve the negative environmental and social impacts of water scarcity. Our vision encompasses not just technology, but a dedication to fostering sustainable practices that positively impact lives and the planet. For more information about US Desalination LLC, visit www.usdesal.com.

About IDE Technologies

IDE Technologies is a global leader in water treatment solutions with over 50 years of experience delivering large-scale seawater desalination and industrial water treatment plants. IDE has designed and operated some of the world’s largest and most efficient desalination facilities, serving municipal and industrial clients across Israel, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and beyond. For more information, visit www.ide-tech.com.

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