Starbase, SpaceX, and the Question of Water Access in South Texas
The newly formed city of Starbase, Texas, established by SpaceX, is facing scrutiny over its water infrastructure and access for residents. While a new pipeline is planned to alleviate water scarcity, the situation highlights a unique dynamic were a private company largely controls utility provision within city limits.In July, Kent Myers, Starbase city administrator, communicated concerns to a Cameron County commissioner regarding a recent water cutoff, stating it “poses safety and public health risks.” Myers emphasized that Starbase lacks the “legal authority nor operational capacity to deliver water to these residents.”
SpaceX has reportedly offered residents not affiliated with the company an “unconditional and perpetual agreement” for access to Starbase’s water and sewer system. Though, this access is contingent on residents agreeing to vacate the area during “any and all launch, testing and other operational activities.” The agreement explicitly states SpaceX has no obligation to provide water access, guarantee water quality or volume, and prevents residents from pursuing legal action against the company.
A City Without Traditional Utilities
Starbase was officially incorporated as a city in May, following a vote limited to registered voters within the designated boundary. According to an affidavit by SpaceX senior manager Richard Cardile, SpaceX owned all but 10 of the 247 lots within that boundary.
Prior to incorporation,SpaceX had already been developing its own water infrastructure. Records from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) show the establishment of a state-regulated drinking water system, including a 500,000-gallon storage tank, pumps, and monitoring equipment. This system currently serves 239 residential connections.However,the city’s role in utility provision is deliberately limited. “The City of Starbase does not provide any utility services,” Myers stated to TechCrunch. “These services are provided by SpaceX within the City Limits.” This means the planned Brownsville-Starbase pipeline will feed a privately-operated SpaceX water system, and access for neighboring residents remains at SpaceX’s discretion.
The pipeline is intended to address water needs for SpaceX employees and their families, but does not establish a public right to water access. SpaceX has not obtained a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) from the Texas Public Utility Commission, which would authorize the company to retail water and obligate it to serve third parties.
SpaceX did not respond to inquiries from TechCrunch regarding potential plans to expand utility services to the public.
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