RGRWPG News Archives

Stewards of Water Resources from Amistad to the Gulf

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Rio Grande RWPG) is one of 16 local bodies established under Senate Bill 1 to coordinate long-range water supply planning by bringing together stakeholders representing a variety of interests. The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Area (also known as "Region M") includes Maverick, Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Starr, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Cameron counties. Regional Facts

Region M map

Region M News Archives

Inital Review of Chapters 3, 5, 6, & 7 of Next "Initially Prepared Plan" for Region M Now Available

Region M reviewed four more proposed chapters of the region’s next Initially Prepared Plan (IPP) at its Feb. 3 workshop.

Please read Chapter 3 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please read Chapter 5 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please read Chapter 6 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please read Chapter 7 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please note: files are very large and may take several minutes to download.

January Revisions of Chapters 1 & 2 of Next "Initially Prepared Plan" for Region M Now Available

At its December and January meetings, Region M reviewed and offered revisions to two proposed chapters of the region’s next Initially Prepared Plan (IPP). Those revisions have been incorporated into the chapters, and the updated versions are now available.

Please read Chapter 1 revised January 2010 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please read Chapter 2 revised January 2010 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please note: files are very large and may take several minutes to download.

Public Notice: Two Public Workshops in February to Review Chapters of Initially Prepared Regional Water Plan, Public Meeting to Adopt Initially Prepared Plan on February 17, 2010

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) will hold two workshops in February so board members can continue to review draft chapters of the region’s Initially Prepared Plan (IPP) as they are finalized (READ FULL PUBLIC NOTICE HERE). A January 14, 2010 workshop was held to review Chapters 1 & 2 which described the planning area in detail and reviewed population and water demand projections.

The next workshop will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, after the Rio Grande Regional Water Authority meeting.

The last workshop will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, before the Region M board meets at 11:00 a.m. that day to consider final adoption of the IPP.

All of these meetings are held at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s Transportation Center located at 510 S. Pleasantview Drive in Weslaco.

The chapters that are currently being finalized are as follows:

• Chapter 3 – Water Supply Analysis
• Chapter 4 – Identification, Evaluation & Selection of Water Management Strategies Based on Needs
• Chapter 5 – Impacts of Water Management Strategies on Key Water Quality Parameters in the State and Impacts of Moving Water from Agricultural and Rural Areas
• Chapter 6 – Consolidated Water Conservation & Drought Management Strategy Recommendations
• Chapter 7 – Description of How the Regional Plan is Consistent with Long-Term Protection of the State’s Water, Agricultural, and Natural Resources
• Chapter 8 – Unique Stream Segments, Reservoir Sites, and Legislative Recommendations
• Chapter 9 – Reporting of Water Infrastructure Financing Mechanisms

The IPP must be submitted to the Texas Water Development Board by March 1. After feedback from TWDB and the general public, the regional plan will be finally adopted in August. All of the state’s regional water plans will then be incorporated into the 2011 State Water Plan.
  

 
Region M board members and attendees review and suggest edits to Chapters 1 and 2 of the IPP in January 2010.

January Meeting Agenda Posted

The agenda for the January 14, 2010 meeting is now posted on the Meetings page.

Chapters 1 & 2 of Next "Initially Prepared Plan" for Region M Now Available

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) will discuss two proposed chapters of the region’s next Initially Prepared Plan (IPP) at its next meeting on Dec. 16, 2009. After all of the chapters for the IPP are complete, Region M leadership will hold public hearings throughout the region, which includes 8 counties along the Rio Grande. After the public has commented, the IPP will be finalized as the new regional plan for water management. The IPP must be adopted by March 1, 2010. There are 16 regional water planning groups throughout the state that are working on their IPPs, which will eventually be incorporated into the State Water Plan.

Please read Chapter 1 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please read Chapter 2 here (PDF version) or here (Word version).
Please note: files are very large and may take several minutes to download.

The Region M board will discuss these chapters, along with other regional water planning matters, at its next board meeting on Wednesday, Dec., 16, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council’s Transportation Center located at 510 S. Pleasantview Dr., Weslaco, TX.

Public Notice: RGRWPG to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Population Revisions

Region M is seeking input on proposed revisions to the region’s population and water demand projections. Written and oral comments regarding the population projections will be taken at a Public Meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the LRGVDC Transportation Center located at 510 S. Pleasantview Dr., Weslaco, TX. Additional written comments must be received by the RGRWPG by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, Attn: Ken Jones, LRGVDC Executive Director, 311 N. 15th St., McAllen, TX 78501. Read the full public notice here.

Updated Population Projections

Chapter One of Regional Water Plan Now Adopted

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group approved Chapter One of its revised regional water plan at the October 7, 2009 meeting. Chapter One presents a description of the regional water planning area. This includes information regarding current water uses and major water demand centers, sources of surface and groundwater supply, agricultural and natural resources, and the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the region. Also included is a summary of existing regional water plans, a summary of recommendations in the current state water plan, a summary of local water plans, and an assessment of threats to agricultural and natural resources. To read Chapter One in its entirety, please download this pdf.

The remaining 8 chapters of the regional water plan will be written over the next few months, leading to an initially-prepared plan that must be submitted to the Texas Water Development Board by March 1, 2010.

Public Notice: RGRWPG to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Population Revisions

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG), Region M, will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, to receive input on proposed revisions to the region’s population and water demand projections, based on new population information reported by the State Data Center. At least 23 cities in the RGRWPG have shown faster than anticipated growth that impact the planning group’s water demand projections and the accuracy of the planning group’s water management strategies. See the full public notice here.

Population Projection Surveys
Region M Population

RGRWPG Approves Two Special Studies

At its September 2, 2009, meeting, the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) ratified two special studies that focused on the area’s water issues. The following studies were previously approved by the executive board and submitted to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB):

Study #1 - Evaluation of Alternate Water Supply Management Strategies Regarding the Use and Classification of Existing Water Rights on the Lower and Middle Rio Grande
Study #3 - Analyze Results of Demonstration Projects

Region M is still working with the TWDB on Study #2, Classify Irrigation Districts as Water User Groups.

All of the state’s regional water planning groups have until March 1, 2010 to submit “initially prepared plans” to the TWDB. Public hearings on the initially prepared plans are expected to be held during the summer of 2010.

The next meeting of the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.

Public Meeting Held on Regional Water Planning

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) held a public meeting on August 5, 2009 to consider the impact larger-than-expected population growth might have on the region’s future water demands, and what water management strategies might need to be considered to meet those growing demands.

According to the Texas State Data Center, 23 cities in the Region M planning area have grown faster than was projected during the previous round of water planning. Region M consultants plan to contact those cities through a survey to determine the accuracy of the data center’s numbers, and then submit them to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for approval. The new data is crucial for an accurate prediction of future water demands.

Region M also conducted a public meeting on the steps that will taken over the next few months to develop an updated regional water plan, which will eventually be part of the next State Water Plan. First, existing water management strategies, such as water conservation, will be evaluated for their effectiveness. Second, water management strategies that were not previously implemented will be evaluated. Then, using updated water demand projections, the area’s various water user groups (municipalities, irrigation districts, and manufacturing, for example) will be surveyed to determine exactly which water management strategies they plan to implement in future years. The regional water planning group will then compare the strategies to make sure there aren’t conflicting demands for water resources before finalizing the region’s future water management strategies.

All of the state’s regional water planning groups have until March 1, 2010 to submit "initially prepared plans" to TWDB. Public hearings on the initially prepared plans are expected to be held during the summer of 2010.

In other business, Region M approved a resolution in support of the Trans Pecos Water Trust, and two final reports to TWDB that are part of the 3rd round of regional planning, titled Task 2: Classify Irrigation Districts as Water User Groups and Task 3: Analyze Results of Demonstration Projects

The next meeting of the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.

RGRWPG Chairman Glenn Jarvis explains the next step of the regional water planning process to a television reporter and cameraman from the Rio Grande Valley. Photo by WaterPR

RGRWA to Fund Special Study into San Felipe Springs

The Rio Grande Regional Water Authority has agreed to pay for a special study on the potential impact of increased groundwater withdrawal from the area near San Felipe Springs. The proposed study was on the list of projects the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) intended to complete for the current round of regional water planning, but it was not funded by the Texas Water Development Board.

San Felipe Springs, near Del Rio, is a tributary to the Rio Grande, downstream from Lake Amistad. Reduced flows from that area could impact water supplies for the communities downstream.

The study is expected to take 4 to 5 months and will cost no more than $14,000.

Public Notice

July 21, 2009 - Region M Will Hold a Public Meeting Wednesday, August 5 to Consider Proposed Revisions to Population and Water Demand Projections and to Outline the Steps That Will Be Taken to Develop Water Management Strategies. Both Tasks are Part of Phase II of the Third Round of Regional Water Planning. READ FULL NOTICE

News Clips

Texas Parks & Wildlife profiles Rio Grande Watermaster MORE

Region M Passes Resolution in Support of Irrigation Infrastructure Projects

At its March 2009 meeting, the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) voted to support local irrigation districts in their efforts to obtain federal funding of new and previously-approved infrastructure projects to conserve water, a key goal of state and regional water plans. Read the entire resolution here.

Region M Board Members Participate in Texas Water Day 2009

Several members of the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (Region M) visited with congressional offices on February 4, 2009, as part of Texas Water Day 2009. Organized by the Texas Water Development Board and the Texas Water Conservation Association, Texas Water Day gives water supply and conservation professionals the opportunity to talk about the state’s most important water issues with federal officials. Key topics this year were federal funding of Texas Environmental Infrastructure Projects under the Water Resources Development Act of 2008, levee and dam safety programs under FEMA, and research and development into new water supplies, such as desalination.

Region M board members who participated in the event were Sonny Hinojosa of HCID No. 2 and Sonia Kaniger of CCID No. 2. More photos of Texas Water Day 2009 can be viewed here.

Region M’s Sonia Kaniger reviews key Texas water issues with Chairwoman Grace Napolitano (D-California), chair of the House Natural Resource Committee’s subcommittee on Water & Power.

(L to R) Emmanuel Vasquez of the Brownsville PUB, Jesus Leal of NRS Consulting Engineers, and Sonny Hinojosa of HCID No. 2.

Region M Approves Plan to Classify Irrigation Districts as Water User Groups

During its January 7, 2009 meeting, the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group approved a draft report of Study 2 for the 1st phase of the 3rd Round of Regional Water Planning that will allow the planning group to classify irrigation districts as water user groups. This is the first step toward more accurately measuring water supplies for the next phase of regional water planning.

Region M Passes Resolutions Honoring Life of IBWC Commissioner Carlos Marin and Supporting Appointment of Bill Ruth

At its December 10, 2008 meeting, the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group unanimously passed a Resolution of Commendation and Recognition in memory of the International Boundary and Water Commission’s U.S. commissioner Carlos Marin, whose "service was always above and beyond the call of duty." Full text of the resolution is available here. At its January 7, 2009 meeting, the Group passed a resolution of unanimous support for newly appointed commissioner C.W. "Bill" Ruth, noting that his "knowledge and experience is and will continue to be an asset to the IBWC and the entire Border Region." Click here to read the full resolution.

Region M to Hold Public Comment Period at Dec. 10 Meeting

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) will have a public comment session at their Dec. 10, 2008 meeting to give the public an opportunity to comment on Draft Reports for three special studies currently being performed under the 3rd round, 1st phase of Regional Water Planning. MORE

Region M Approves New Scope of Work

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) approved a proposed scope of work for the next round of funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for regional water planning efforts. The applications for funding are due in mid-June. TWDB staff will then review the various scopes of work from all of the state’s 16 water planning groups and make funding recommendations to the full board at its August meeting. MORE

Region M Begins Process to Define Tasks and Budget for Next Round of State Funding

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group (RGRWPG) is seeking the public’s input on a proposed scope of work for Phase II of the Third Round of Regional Water Planning.

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) oversees the regional water planning process, which “allows individuals representing 11 interest groups to serve as members of Regional Water Planning Groups (RWPG) to prepare regional water plans for their respective areas. These plans will map out how to conserve water supplies, meet future water supply needs and respond to future droughts in the planning areas.” There are 16 regional water planning groups in Texas.

The current round of planning began in 2007 and will culminate in 2011 with a revised regional water plan. The state provided funding for the first two years of the effort; appropriations from the 2007 Texas Legislature now allow funding to carry efforts through the end of the current planning cycle. RWPGs must submit an application for funding specific planning efforts to the Texas Water Development Board by June 13.

Written and oral comments regarding the scope of work will be taken at a public meeting on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Transportation Center located at 510 S. Pleasantview Drive in Weslaco. Additional written comments must be received by the RGRWPG by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. Send them to the attention of Ken Jones, LRGVDC Executive Director, 311 N. 15th St., McAllen, TX 78501.

The proposed scope of work is now available:
Scope of Work
Scope of Work Funding Breakdown
Scope of Work Budget Summary
Scope of Work Budget Breakdown

The last regional water plan was approved by the TWDB in January 2006 and is available online.

For more information see the official public notice from the RGRWPG.

Region M Awarded $174K in State Funding for Next 2 Years of Water Planning

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group has been awarded $174,398 from the Texas Water Development Board for three special studies plus administrative and public participation services to begin the next round of long-range planning that will culminate in the 2011 regional water plan.

TWDB anticipates providing additional funding in the fall of 2007 for years 3 through 5 of the planning cycle, based on appropriations received for the 2008-2009 biennium.

The initial funding for Region M will be used to:

1. Evaluate alternative water supply management strategies regarding the use and classification of existing water rights on the Lower and Middle Rio Grande. The goal of this effort is to identify specific water management strategies that could more effectively use and enhance the available future water supply from the Amistad/Falcon reservoir system.
2. Classify individual irrigation districts as Water User Groups. This study will focus on developing detailed information, including a “master map,” that can facilitate planning for changes in water demand resulting from conversion of irrigation water to municipal use. The study also will establish cost date for necessary improvements to conveyance and distribution systems.
3. Analyze results of completed demonstration projects involving on-farm conservation (undertaken by the Harlingen Irrigation District) and seawater desalination (being piloted by the Brownsville Public Utilities Board) for application elsewhere in the region. The study will develop recommendations for creating and implementing an on-farm incentive program and consider the feasibility of seawater desalination as a regionwide Water Management Strategy.

Study drafts are due Dec. 31, 2008; final reports are due April 30, 2009.

Full details on the studies are specified in the contract between Region M and TWDB.

Region M Submits Application for $400K in State Funding for Next 2 Years of Water Planning

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group has applied to the Texas Water Development Board for $408,588 to fund seven special studies/projects to begin the next round of long-range water planning. If approved, the funds will be used to:

• Evaluate alternative water supply management strategies regarding the use and classification of existing water rights on the Lower and Middle Rio Grande;
• Classify individual irrigation districts as Water User Groups;
• Analyze results of completed demonstration projects;
• Expand groundwater and surface water modeling and analysis;
• Perform an aquatic weed study;
• Prepare regional maps and clarify jurisdictional overlaps; and
• Prepare a Water Management Strategy Implementation Guide.

Click here for a summary of the application with details on the projects.

Local cash contributions totaling $41,740 have been identified to help perform the necessary tasks.

The TWDB is scheduled to consider and act on requests for funding from all 16 regional water planning groups at its Nov. 14, 2006, meeting.

Public Input Sought for Next Cycle of Regional Water Planning

A public hearing on the RGRWPG's application to the Texas Water Development Board will be held Wed., Aug. 23, 2006, 10:30 am in Zapata, Texas, at the Holiday Restaurant (956-765-4521). A draft application will be posted to this page soon. Written and oral comments will be accepted at this meeting. Any comments should be submitted to LRGVDC or TWDB. Deadline for comments is Friday, August 25, 2006. Send comments to:

All comments will be considered by the RGRWPG prior to submission of the funding application. The application must be submitted by Sept. 14, 2006.

The RGRWPG will meet to consider the application and all comments on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2006.

State Approves Region M Water Plan

The Texas Water Development Board approved the 2006 water plan submitted by the Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group at its March 21, 2006, meeting. The Board determined that the plan met all requirements in statute and TWDB rules.

• Click here for the Executive Summary in English
• Click here for the Executive Summary in Spanish
• Click here for highlights of the 2006 plan
• Click here for the full plan
  

Region M Releases Draft Regional Plan

The Rio Grande RWPG has developed an Initially Prepared Regional Plan, updating the 2001 Regional Water Plan. A public hearing on the plan will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, July 20, 2005, in Zapata, Texas, at the Holiday Restaurant, 506 Highway 83. Public comments will be accepted through August 31, 2005. Click here for more details.

Controlling Salt Cedar

State and federal agencies are joining together to control salt cedar in the upper reaches of the Rio Grande. Details

Water Resources Along U.S.-Mexico Border at Critical Juncture

Report on water resources along the U.S.-Mexico border released by the Good Neighbor Environmental Board. Details

Mexican Water Debt

Mexico and the U.S. have reached "an agreement in principle" on repaying almost 717,000 acre-feet of water due to South Texas irrigators under the 1944 treaty between the countries. More >>

Arroyo Colorado Water Quality Project

A multi-stakeholder Watershed Protection Plan for Arroyo Colorado is moving forward. Click here for the full story in the Brownsville Herald.

Desalination: The Future of Texas

TWDB recommends that Region M “consider the result of the seawater feasibility studies as potential water management strategies to be used in meeting future water supply needs.” Click here for the full report on the Future of Desalination in Texas.

Subcommittee Advises Changing Rio Grande Law

A 2003 law that authorized using the Rio Grande as a means to transport groundwater to downstream buyers should be repealed, says a Senate subcommittee. "Permitting such a water use would contradict future conservation and best management practices . . . to meet future water needs," according to the Senate Subcommittee on the Lease of State Water Rights. Click here for the full report.

February Rio Grande Basin Initiative

The February 2005 newsletter of the Rio Grande Basin Initiative highlights the upcoming joint projects conference (April 12-14), new interactive web-based map services for Rio Grande counties, and water-conservation strategies being implemented for sports fields and households. Click here for the full issue.

IBWC Holds Public Meeting

The International Boundary & Water Commission schedules Lower Rio Grande Citizens Forum for 4 pm, April 4, 2005, in Weslaco. Topics include water debt settlement, Brownsville-Matamoros weir, and wildlife corridor. Details

Water Conservation Grant Funds Available

The US Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting grant and cooperative agreement initial proposals for projects that improve environmental health and address the objectives of the US-Mexico border 2012 Program. The deadline is Feb. 28, 2005.
Click here for details.

Water Conservation Grant Funds Available

The US Bureau of Reclamation and the Water 2025 Challenge Grant Program is seeking proposals from irrigation and water districts for water conservation, efficiency and water marketing projects. Application deadline is Jan. 21, 2005. Go to the Water 2025 website for more information.

Rising Population Drains Regional Water Supply

Comptroller’s Office cites regional desalination project as model for water supply alternatives. Read Hard Water Lessons from Fiscal Notes.

Binational Ecosystem Meeting

The VII Lower Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Binational Ecosystem Group meets Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 15-16, at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call Ernesto Reyes with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at 956.784.7560.

Water Authority Holds First Meeting

The new Rio Grande Regional Water Authority holds its first meeting Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004, in Weslaco. The RGRWA was created by the Texas Legislature in 2003 under SB 1902 by Sen. Lucio. Click here for the official meeting notice.

Texas Watch Holds Meeting on Water Quality in McAllen on Saturday, August 14

Download the announcement in English or Español.

Public Input Sought on Regional Water Issues

• New rules affecting Rio Grande Watermaster operations focus of April 26 meeting
• Watershed protection plan for Arroyo Colorado topic of April 27 meeting

Groundwater Issues Focus of March 15 Meeting Near Brownsville

The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group met on Monday, March 15, in the first of a series of work sessions aimed at developing consensus on policy issues in the region. The group approved a resolution (PDF, 108 KB) urging GLO to adhere to the regional water planning process.

Criteria to Evaluate & Select Water Management Strategies Focus of Next RGRWPG Meeting

The Rio Grande RWPG will discuss criteria for evaluating and selecting water management strategies at its Jan. 28 meeting.

Report on Mexican Water Debt

Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn's Office issues update on "H2owe."

Taking Action to Resolve Regional Water Issues

The Rio Grande Regional Water Group supports the 2004 Valley Water Summit, February 17, 2004.

State Officials Approve Amendment to Water Plan

The Texas Water Development Board Aug. 20 approved amendments to the Rio Grande Regional Water Plan specifying desalination of brackish groundwater as a recommended water management strategy. Almost half of the 63 municipal water user groups in the Rio Grande RWPG requested the proposed amendments. Water projects must be consistent with regional water plans in order to be considered for state funding and permitting.

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