Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño is leading the charge for a regional approach to water conservation, believing that Laredo makes more sacrifices compared to neighboring border communities. The recent border mayor meeting sparked discussions on creating a unified conservation plan, with talks continuing at city council chambers.
One of the key issues Mayor Treviño highlighted is the disparity in water conservation metrics among cities. He emphasized the need for all cities to be on the same page to ensure fairness in water conservation efforts. Treviño pointed out that while Laredo remains in stage 3 with stringent drought restrictions, other cities facing worse drought conditions are still in stage 2.
To address this discrepancy, Laredo submitted a new conservation plan to the state of Texas, proposing revised drought stage triggers. Under the new plan, critical drought conditions would be triggered when the Amistad Reservoir falls below 25%, with emergency drought conditions triggered at less than 20%. This represents a more stringent approach compared to the previous plan.
Council member Melissa Cigarroa emphasized the importance of regional approaches in water conservation, citing the increasing scarcity of freshwater resources nationwide. She noted that regional plans are not only more efficient but also more likely to attract state and federal funding, making them a viable option for cities looking to address water conservation challenges.
The utilities department has been tasked with drafting a plan that incorporates input from other cities ahead of the upcoming border mayors meeting in Laredo. This proactive approach aims to position the city as a leader in advocating for a regional conservation plan. The utilities director will also attend a symposium to explore the possibility of establishing standardized drought stage triggers across cities.
Overall, the push for a regional approach to water conservation in Laredo reflects a commitment to sustainable water management practices and equitable distribution of conservation efforts. By working collaboratively with neighboring communities and exploring innovative solutions, Laredo is poised to lead the way in addressing water conservation challenges in the region.
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