Mary Rhodes Pipeline Repairs Progress as Welding Nears Completion

Corpus Christi, TX – Corpus Christi Water (CCW) continues to make progress on repairs to the Mary Rhodes Pipeline (MRP) near the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, with welding of the new pipe section expected to be completed today.

On October 7, the connection points on the existing pipeline were prepared for welding, and the replacement pipe was prepared for installation and alignment. This stage of the work took longer than anticipated because the pipe was not properly aligned during its original installation more than 25 years ago. The additional time was necessary to ensure the new pipe section is properly aligned with the existing pipeline.

Welders worked through the night and continued this morning, with welding expected to be complete by midday. Later today, CCW will fill the pipe with water to perform a hydrostatic test, which checks all welds for leaks under pressure. After testing, the pipe’s exterior will be coated and wrapped in protective material.

If today’s work goes as planned, CCW expects to gradually return the MRP to service throughout Thursday, October 8, ramping up to Schedule 3 operations of 55 million gallons per day. While unrelated scheduled upgrades are underway at the Woodsboro Pump Station, the MRP will operate at Schedule 3. This will remain in effect until the work is complete.

While the MRP remains offline, the regional water supply continues to be delivered from the Western Reservoirs and the Nueces Groundwater Program.

For more information, media representatives are encouraged to contact Strategic Business Manager, Ashley Marion, at (361) 826-3706 or via email at ashleym6@corpuschristiTX.gov.