More on Water Supply

The LRGVDC serves as administrative agent for the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group. RGRWPG is one of 16 regional groups set up under state law to conduct long-range analysis of water needs and develop water management strategies to meet those needs. The RGRWPG covers eight counties along the mid and lower Rio Grande: Maverick, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron.

The LRGVDC also serves as administrative agent for the Lower Rio Grande Authority, composed of 21 irrigation districts. The LRGA has set up a Water Market to facilitate water sales and leases, and is coordinating a master plan that will identify needed improvements to water infrastructure in the lower Valley.

The LRGVDC has served as fiscal agent for the 2004 and 2005 Valley Water Summits, action-oriented forums bringing together stakeholders representing various interests to work together on solutions to water supply issues.

More on Aquatic Weeds

The water shortage in the Lower Rio Grande Valley has been intensified by the invasion of hydrilla and water hyacinth. Both grow and reproduce rapidly, forming dense surface mats that impede the flow of water, block sunlight, and inhibit the exchange of oxygen.

The LRGVDC successfully applied for $450,000 in funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other sources to help control hydrilla in Hidalgo and Cameron counties. In addition, it secured technical assistance from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to release up to 23,000 Triploid Grass Carp in the lower Rio Grande. These carp are sterilized prior to being released.

The LRGVDC also is assisting in discussions between the U.S. and Mexico to apply chemicals as a means of controlling weeds in the lower Rio Grande.

These efforts are coordinated through an Aquatic Weeds Task Force, representing stakeholders from all interests.

Examples of severe aquatic weed infestations in the lower reach of the Rio Grande