As the Rio Grande runs dry, South Texas cities look to alternatives for water

Officials in south Texas are starting to look at more options than the Rio Grande to supply water to residents. For now, the state’s most southern cities have enough drinking water despite an ongoing drought. However, the region’s agricultural roots created a system that could jeopardize that supply and the risk has prompted a growing interest across the Rio Grande Valley to look elsewhere for their water needs. A proposed water plant in Edinburg would tap water sources underground. Meanwhile, Hidalgo County officials have proposed a regional water supply project that would capture and treat stormwater to be used as drinking water. The projects face challenges, but officials are hopeful they will move forward.