FALCON HEIGHTS — Long-range weather projections paint a pessimistic picture as the Rio Grande Valley continues to grapple with a worsening water crisis and as more municipalities began to implement drought conservation plans this week.
High water marks are seen on the concrete wall along the Falcom Dam gates on July 28, 2022, in Zapata County. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])A shell sits on the dry shore at Falcon Lake on July 28, 2022, in Zapata County. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])The carcass of a dead fish is seen in the foreground at Falcon Dam on July 28, 2022, in Zapata County. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])A small island rises above the water at Falcon Lake on July 28, 2022, in Zapata County. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
How dire is the drought situation in South Texas? For a region that grows 25,000 acres of citrus and sugarcane, it threatens a nearly billion dollar business and thousands of jobs.
Dale Murden with Texas Citrus Mutual at one of his citrus groves Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Santa Rosa. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Cracked dry sediment is seen in an irrigation canal near Dale Murden’s orchards Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Santa Rosa. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Irrigation of local citrus orchards Monday, August 1, 2022, in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Irrigation of local citrus orchards Monday, August 1, 2022, in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Dale Murden with Texas Citrus Mutual walks along some of his citrus groves Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Santa Rosa. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])The main canal north of Edinburg used for irrigation to local farmers and citrus growers on August 1, 2022. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
