Texas Border Business
HIDALGO COUNTY – Today, the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 and Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes presented the Delta Region Water Management Project, a first-of-its-kind, regional water supply project located in northern Hidalgo County and southern Willacy County.
Various local officials and lawmakers were invited to learn how the innovative reclamation project will capture and treat water from a major Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 drainage outfall channel, unlocking a brand-new water source for the region. The project is currently in the pilot testing phase and has been touted as a groundbreaking initiative that will secure current and future water needs.
“This project is an innovative solution that combines both flood mitigation and water supply that will reduce dependence on the Rio Grande. TWDB honored it with a Texas Rain Catcher Award last year to highlight the importance. I’m very excited to see the results of this pilot phase,” said Texas Water Development Board Chairwoman Brooke Paup.
The $221 million project includes multiple water treatment plants (WTP) and off-line regional detention facilities at four locations including Delta, Santa Cruz, Carlton Barth, and Willacy County. Upon completion, the project will provide clean water to 72,000 residents.
“I am very proud to help bring this project to reality. It will provide a much-needed water resource for our area that will allow our communities to continue to prosper and grow,” said Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 1 David Fuentes.
The drainage district and local officials will continue to work together to secure additional funding from various sources. In recent years, the state of Texas has increased funding to water projects, including the creation of the first ever Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF).
“I appreciate the leadership of Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and the Commissioners, especially Commissioner David Fuentes, for their leadership on the Delta Water Reclamation Project. In 2021, I passed HB 4663 to provide Hidalgo County Drainage District No 1 with the necessary tools to move this project forward. Water is life and is a precious resource.
This innovative project will enable us to capture water from storms, treat it, and deliver it to customers. Funding for water projects is a priority for the Legislature, and I will continue to advocate for more funding to help our communities meet their water needs,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.
Officials present also heard about plans for further development of the project, which is the recipient of the Texas Water Development Board 2023 Texas Rain Catcher Award. The Texas Rain Catcher Award is a rainwater harvesting competition and recognition program to promote technology, educate the public, and to recognize excellence in the application of rainwater harvesting systems in Texas.
“When we stand united as a region to address the challenges that affect the Rio Grande Valley, we can only ascend to greater heights. The efforts and partnerships driving this project are guided by resilience, ingenuity, and the vision to sustainably provide an invaluable resource for many years to come. The fruition of this project, delivering clean water and flood mitigation to our community, is a promise made to each other and a promise kept for the generations that will follow. I am proud of our region for taking this step toward ushering in a more prosperous future for the RGV,” said Senator Morgan LaMantia.
