Rio Grande Regional Water Authority

This Lower Rio Grande Basin Study outlines a planning objective and water management strategies to address projected water supply imbalances in the study area through 2060. Key constraints include competition for water with Mexico, limited fresh groundwater supplies, and consistent year-round demand. The central objective is to develop alternatives in Cameron, Willacy, and Hidalgo Counties that provide a minimum of 86,438 acre-feet of water annually by 2060, while protecting existing water rights, complying with regulations, and ensuring implementable actions. Strategies evaluated include various forms of water conservation, water reuse, brackish groundwater desalination, seawater desalination, and fresh groundwater development, all aimed at reducing dependency on the Rio Grande.

The meeting included a review of the investment policy, discussion of RGRWA's funds, budget, and future assessments, and updates on the El Morillo agreement between the RGRWA and IBWC. There were also status reports from TCEQ and IBWC, as well as committee reports on community outreach, finance and planning, personnel and professional services, legislative matters, El Morillo Drain, groundwater management, water quality, drainage, and aquatic weeds. The Manager's Report included information about an invitation from the North American Development Bank (NADB).