Regional Facts

Major CitiesLaredo, Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen
CountiesMaverick, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, Cameron
Population: 20001,264,582
Population: 20503,046,680
Total Water Use: 20001,803,291 Acre-Feet
Total Water Use: 20501,737,924 Acre-Feet
Primary RiversRio Grande
Major AquifersGulf Coast, Carrizo-Wilcox
Annual Precipitation20-28 Inches

Issues and Stats

  • the price of raw water has soared 400% in the past few years
  • yearly water losses from unlined or cracked irrigation canals total nearly 81.5 billion gallons
  • Rio Grande Valley cities will need $3.1 billion to implement necessary water management strategies over the next 50 years
  • by restricting flows into the Rio Grande, Mexico has caused $80 million in losses to south Texas agriculture

Help Conserve Water

Here's how YOU can help:

  • install low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • take quicker showers
  • don't leave water running while washing your car, shaving, or brushing your teeth
  • run full loads, not partial ones, in your dishwasher or washing machine
  • landscape with drought-resistant plants
  • get involved with the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group