The Rio Grande River, a vital water source for the South Texas border region, is facing a crisis due to drought, heat, and Mexico’s failure to make water payments. The situation has led to low river levels, threatening water supplies for communities in the area. To address this pressing issue, a bipartisan Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium is being organized by Texas state Rep. Terry Canales and state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, along with the Texas Water Foundation. The symposium aims to bring together lawmakers, experts, and community leaders to discuss water conservation solutions and strategies to mitigate the water shortage.
The event, scheduled to take place in the border town of Pharr, will feature the participation of U.S. Reps. Monica De La Cruz and Vicente Gonzalez, who represent South Texas. Both lawmakers have been actively involved in addressing the water crisis, with Gonzalez recently meeting with Mexico’s president and president-elect to discuss water payments. De La Cruz has also formed the South Texas Water Working Group to study the issue and propose solutions.
One of the main concerns driving the symposium is Mexico’s outstanding water debt to the United States. As of August 10, Mexico has only paid 400,100 acre-feet of water out of the total 1.75 million acre-feet owed under the 1944 international treaty. The failure to meet these obligations has already had severe consequences, such as the closure of the region’s only sugar mill and threats to citrus crops due to water shortages.
The symposium will feature panels focusing on various aspects of the water crisis, including discussions on local water supplies, infrastructure projects, legislative priorities, and innovative solutions. The goal is to unite federal, state, and local leaders in developing a comprehensive strategy to address the water deficit in the Rio Grande Valley. With reservoirs at critically low levels and the region’s population growing, the need for sustainable water management practices has never been more urgent.
State Sen. Hinojosa emphasized the importance of collaboration and proactive measures to secure the region’s water supply, stating, “It’s time for us to unite, identify and implement strategies to diversify our water supply.” Rep. Canales echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to move away from reliance on external sources of water and towards self-sufficiency. The symposium will provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and work towards long-term solutions for the water crisis.
The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium is a critical event that underscores the severity of the water situation in the region and the urgent need for action. By bringing together key stakeholders and decision-makers, the symposium aims to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient water future for the Rio Grande Valley. The event will take place on Tuesday at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center in Pharr, Texas, and promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to address the water crisis in South Texas.