Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González

On August 20, 2024, the city of Pharr, Texas became the center of a critical discussion about the future of water in the Rio Grande Valley. The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium, led by State Rep. Terry Canales and State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, brought together diverse stakeholders to address the region’s growing water challenges. These challenges, exacerbated by population growth, extreme weather events, and complex international water agreements, have made water management a pressing issue in the region.

Featuring four key panels, the symposium provided a platform for federal, state and local politicians, community leaders and water experts to discuss and develop strategies for solutions to the water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley. The goal of the event was to discuss issues and take action to ensure a sustainable water supply for the region.

Sarah Schlessinger, CEO of the Texas Water Foundation, opened the symposium by highlighting the complexity and connective nature of the water issue. “Water is one of the few issues that transcends politics and connects communities, and yet it remains one of the most complicated challenges we face,” she said. Schlessinger’s remarks set the tone for a day dedicated to understanding and solving the multifaceted water problems in the Rio Grande Valley.

Pharr City Commissioner Roberto “Bobby” Carrillo then warmly welcomed those present and emphasized the regional importance of the water crisis. “This problem affects not only Pharr, but the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond,” said Carrillo. “We must join forces and act together to secure our water supply.”

One of the central themes of the symposium was the critical role of collaboration at all levels of government. State Rep. Terry Canales expressed his deep concern about the current state of water in the region and shared his journey from first becoming aware of it to becoming an active advocate for water security. “The more I learned about our water problems, the more concerned I became,” Canales said. “It is clear that we need a coherent regional strategy, and that means we must unite all stakeholders – from municipalities to irrigation districts – if we are to effectively address this crisis.”

Congresswoman Monica De la Cruz also played a key role at the symposium, highlighting her efforts at the federal level, particularly with regard to the 1944 water treaty with Mexico. “Water is a top priority for my office,” said De la Cruz. “We worked hard to pass legislation that ties U.S. funding to Mexico’s compliance with water delivery commitments. This is a critical victory for our farmers, ranchers and communities.”

De la Cruz’s comments were welcomed by the audience, as many of them have long felt the impact of water scarcity on agriculture and daily life. “This legislation is a significant step forward,” she added. “But there is still much work to be done, and that is why we are all here today.”

A recurring theme throughout the symposium was the urgent need for regional cooperation. Canales emphasized that the Rio Grande Valley’s water problems cannot be solved by individual cities or counties acting in isolation. “We must address this as a unified region,” he stressed. “From Laredo to Brownsville, we are all connected by the same water sources and must work together to protect them.”

Canales also stressed the importance of long-term planning and proactive action. He warned that with a comprehensive regional plan, the valley could avoid severe water shortages that would stall development and lead to economic decline. “We’re already seeing cities in Texas unable to issue building permits due to water shortages,” Canales warned. “If we don’t act now, this could become a reality here in the valley.”

In his remarks, he underlined the potential consequences of inaction and called on the region’s leaders to prioritize water management to avoid such a crisis. “Failure to plan is planning to fail,” Canales added, citing a well-known proverb to emphasize what is at stake.

The symposium concluded with a focus on innovation and leadership in water management. Local leaders shared ongoing initiatives, including McAllen’s brackish water blending efforts and North Alamo’s desalination projects. While these efforts are laudable, they are not enough to meet the region’s growing water needs, it was acknowledged.

Canales called on regional leaders to appoint responsible individuals, called “R-Picks,” to lead water management efforts in their communities. “We need leaders who will take charge and drive dialogue,” he said. “It’s not just about discussing the problems; it’s about implementing solutions to secure our water future.”

The discussion also touched on the importance of exploring new technologies and practices, such as advanced irrigation methods and water conservation strategies, to maximize the efficiency of existing water resources. “Innovation will be key to our success,” Canales noted. “But we need to have everyone at the table and working together to make this happen.”

The Deep South Texas State of Water Symposium was more than just an event – ​​it was a call to action for the entire Rio Grande Valley. It highlighted the complexity of water management in the region and the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaboration at all levels of government and among communities.

At the end of the symposium, the challenge ahead became clear: translating the discussions and ideas into concrete actions that can solve the region’s water problems and ensure a sustainable future for all residents of the Rio Grande Valley. “Today’s symposium is just the beginning,” Canales said in his closing remarks. “Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

The path forward will require sustained efforts, but participants left the symposium with a shared purpose and determination. As the region faces an uncertain future with increasing water demands, the collaboration and innovation sparked at this symposium could be key to meeting the challenges ahead.