In the early 1960s, as much salt and boron as 2,500 parts per million, when only 700 ppm is considered dangerous, were rushing the Rio Grande River through a saline source eight miles above Anzalduas Dam, affecting the drinking supply and damaging irrigated crops. 

   After appeals from local water users, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) drafted a plan in 1966; in September of that year, the federal governments of Mexico and the United States agreed on the plan, with equal sharing of costs, subject to payment by local interests of one half of the United States' cost. 

   The Lower Rio Grande Water Committee, formed and administered by the Partnership, successfully spearheaded this bi-national solution, then raised the necessary funds to support it.  Within just one month, the Committee completed payment in full of the Valley's portion of construction costs, the $345,000 share of the total $1.3 million project.

   El Morillo Drain started diverting the salt water July 15, 1969.  Four pumping units lift 106 cubic feet per second of salty water into a 75-mile ditch, including a .7-mile underground conveyance through the heart of Reynosa, meandering to the Gulf of Mexico. It prevents approximately 280,000 tons of salt from dumping into the Rio Grande each year-nearly ten million tons since it began operation! 

   During that first year of operation, engineers said in the United States the drain saved 60,000 acre feet of water, which otherwise would be required to flush out the river channel, and benefited 34 water and irrigation districts and 20 cities and towns.  Similar benefits, of course, accrue to the Mexican communities dependent on the Rio Grande River.

   The Water Committee, in compliance with a 1966 contract with the IBWC, every year continues to fundraise one half the total United States share towards the Operation and Maintenance costs.  In 1992, when the drain needed new pumps and a major renovation, the Water Committee paid the $200,000 expense.  And in 2003, when El Morillo required rehabilitation work, the Lower Rio Grande Water Committee reimbursed the U.S. Section for 50% of the U.S. costs or $63,634.35.
   Concurrently, as the Water Committee coordinates annual payment, it monitors potential flooding problems.  At a recent meeting hosted by the Partnership, two immediate issues were identified: 1.) Trash in the El Morillo Drain canal is impeding the flow of salty water through Reynosa; 2.) Some levees and their companion flood-control systems along the Rio Grande River are either too weak or too low, or both.  Now the Water Committee and the IBWC will study how to fix those deficiencies and how much it will cost. 

Accomplishments in Water