La Feria Responds to Water Needs

City Hall Outlines Conservation Plans

Reports of dwindling municipal water supplies are coming in from all over the state. It is reported that many cities in Texas already have conservation measures and restrictions in place. With those reports in mind, LA FERIA NEWS met with City Manager Sunny Philip to learn how we are doing in La Feria, and if we should be concerned.

The city manager reviewed a comprehensive water conservation program for La Feria which has been in place for10 years. He related that in May of this year, the City Commission adapted a revised and updated water conservation plan which will assure adequate water for our citizens. It is primarily tied to Rio Grande water in storage behind Amistad and Falcon dams. “Those folks control water flow in the river.”

“With normal rain fall and conservation levels at those dams, everything is simple and goes smoothly,” he said. “But, when the water levels upstream are abnormally low, they cut back on releases of water downstream, and that gives us and the entire Rio Grande Valley a problem–It is then when our backup facilities kick in, and our preparations pay off..”

The problem for water use gets even more complicated because of the phenomenal growth of the Valley population, industry, and agriculture–with much more expected.

Philip expressed his thinking and that of the City Commissioners: “We can’t just sit back and avoid growth–it is here! In fact, he emphasized, we want growth. Prosperity depends on growth,”

He explained that La Feria is fortunate in that we have had adequate, protected water rights for many years because of a settlement by the State of Texas several years ago which allotted water rights for (1) agricultural, (2) municipal, and (3) industrial needs for years to come.
“To further back up our requirements and rights,” the City Manager added, “Right now we have a funding application with the state of Texas for the development of a water well to be located at the planned expansion of the La Feria Water Treatment plant. It will be a 10-inch pipe, 500 feet deep capable of supplying our drinking water and our needs should other sources fail.”

He further commented that state and federal grants gave La Feria the funds to install solar power panels at the water treatment plant just south of town. “They have been on-line for some time,” he said. “They are now supplying about 40% of the power needed to run the pumps at present, and we are studying the need for more in the future.” All those measures are comforting to know when there is a shortage of water–but, how about when there is too much water?–Water, water, everywhere and nowhere to go? We’re talking catastrophic flooding from tropical storms.

Philip said, “Again, La Feria is in a fortunate position. In 2008, La Feria received $22 million dollars in 100% State and Federal funds to prepare for that type of disaster. It has been going on since 2008 and the work will continue until finished in 2015. This major flood control project will facilitate the moving out of flood waters from Tio Cano to the Arroyo Colorado south of town, then on to the Rio Grande. In those areas, new channels, new constructions and cleaning of floodways and drainage are underway in all parts of the city and adjacent areas.” He added confidently, “That project is a dream come true for \the city of La Feria.”

What about water rationing and restrictions this summer? Sunny had the answer: “Right now, we don‘t see any need for that. Our citizens are very astute and responsible in their use of water. They don‘t waste it. We believe that is a result of educational programs in the schools, churches and among private citizens.

Sunny Philip says to the citizens of La Feria: “Keep on conserving and keep on communicating with our city offices about your needs and suggestions. We are interested in finding solutions for the water needs for the community–and you can help by visiting us at City Hall or calling us at (956) 797-2261 with your ideas.