City of Laredo Mayor Addresses Water Equity Barriers Threatening Region’s Future Growth
Written by Post Public Information Representative, May 15, 2026, 0 Comments
Courtesy Noraida Negron,
LAREDO, Texas – City of Laredo’s Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño hosted a Mayoral Press Conference on Friday, May 15, 2026, joined by regional water representatives to address growing concerns regarding groundwater allocation decisions made by Groundwater Management Area 13 (GMA-13), warning that the current process places the long-term future of Laredo and Webb County at risk.
During the press conference, Mayor Dr. Treviño emphasized the urgency of securing diversified water sources for the region as the City continues planning for future growth beyond its sole reliance on the Rio Grande River.
“Water security is one of the most important issues facing the City of Laredo,” said Mayor Dr. Treviño. “The City has been actively working to identify and negotiate additional water sources, including opportunities within the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Unfortunately, recent decisions made by GMA-13 severely limit our ability to secure the water necessary for future growth and sustainability.”
Groundwater Management Area 13 is the regional water planning board responsible for establishing long-term groundwater pumping goals and limits for the region, including the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. City officials expressed concern that neither Laredo nor Webb County currently has representation on the board despite the region’s size, economic significance, and growing population demands.
Mayor Dr. Treviño stated that the latest groundwater allocation falls significantly short of what the community requires to support economic development, infrastructure expansion, and long-term resiliency planning.
“This is not simply a technical ruling,” Mayor Dr. Treviño stated. “This is a decision that could keep our community water-poor for decades if left unchallenged.”
Laredo’s Mayor also highlighted the importance of the city’s role in the state and national economy. Laredo serves as the number one inland port of entry in the Western Hemisphere, facilitating more than 62 percent of Texas land port trade and contributing over $130 billion annually to the Texas Gross Domestic Product.
“We are an economic engine for Texas,” said Mayor Dr. Treviño. “Yet despite our contributions, we are being told we do not have adequate access to one of the most basic resources necessary to sustain that growth, water.”
City and County leaders stressed that the issue does not represent an immediate water shortage but rather a long-term planning and equity concern. Officials reiterated that responsible cities must diversify water sources and prepare proactively for future demands.
Mayor Dr. Treviño announced that the City of Laredo and Webb County will pursue both administrative and legal actions to challenge the groundwater allocation process and seek a more equitable outcome for the region. The City will also launch a public awareness and engagement campaign encouraging residents to submit comments and participate in future discussions regarding water planning decisions.
“Our City has chosen to act. Our County has joined us,” Mayor Dr. Treviño said. “We will fight this at every level until Laredo receives a fair process and a fair opportunity to secure its water future.”
