Residents in Laredo, Texas, will soon face new water restrictions as the city grapples with a water shortage. The restrictions, which will go into effect on July 12, include limits on when residents can fill their swimming pools and irrigate their lawns. The measures come in response to severe drought conditions that have plagued much of Texas, including the eastern part of the state, where Laredo is located. The Rio Grande, a major source of water for the region, has been depleted by excessive heat and lack of rainfall, prompting concerns about the city’s water supply.
The announcement of the restrictions follows a period of severe weather in eastern Texas, including heavy rainfall that led to flood warnings in some areas. While cities like Houston received above-average rainfall in May, other parts of the state continue to face drought conditions. In Laredo, nearly 92 percent of Webb County is considered abnormally dry, with 13 percent facing moderate drought. The prolonged dry conditions have contributed to low water levels in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, prompting city officials to take action to conserve water resources.
One of the major concerns prompting the water restrictions is the declining levels of Amistad Reservoir and Falcon Lake, two bodies of water on the Rio Grande that serve as important water sources for Laredo. As of late May, Amistad Reservoir had dropped to 20 percent capacity, while Falcon Lake was at only 9 percent capacity. The prolonged drought and lack of significant rainfall have led to a steady decline in water levels, raising alarms about the city’s water supply. The Texas Water Development Board has warned that Laredo could run out of water by the year 2040 if measures are not taken to address the crisis.
In response to the water shortage, Laredo officials have activated the Water Conservation Drought Contingency Plan-Stage 3, which includes specific restrictions on water usage. Among the measures are limits on when residents can fill their swimming pools and irrigate their lawns, with designated days and times for these activities. The city council is also discussing long-term water mitigation efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. The upcoming meeting will focus on potential solutions to ensure the sustainability of the city’s water supply in the face of ongoing drought conditions and projections of future water scarcity.
