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LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Amid ongoing water shortage concerns, Laredo City Council has enacted a temporary halt on issuing permits to new car wash establishments. This decision, finalized during a special council session Friday morning, June 28, aims to conserve water in the face of escalating demand.

According to city data, car washes in Laredo can consume up to 200,000 gallons of water monthly, despite efforts to recycle a portion of their water usage. This classification as high water consumers prompted swift action from city officials to pause new permits, plats, verifications, rezoning, and site plans for car wash facilities within city limits.

Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino emphasized the delicate balance between supporting local businesses and ensuring water conservation efforts are effective: “We know that the majority of water use is residential, mostly for lawns. We cannot sacrifice businesses, as it would harm our economy. We must maintain a balance.”

Arturo Garcia, Utilities Director for the City of Laredo, provided insights into recent rainfall impacts and future plans: “With the recent storm, Laredo received about two inches of rain, which mostly helped with irrigation. However, the water shortage continues. In Amistad, the reservoir levels remain stable, and there was a slight increase in Falcon reservoir. But we still need more rainfall, especially over reservoirs like Amistad.”

Garcia elaborated on future water management strategies, stating that he is looking into developing a system that would enable the city to use effluent reuse and combine it with ground or raw water sources. Currently, Laredo’s wastewater treatment plant discharges over 10 million gallons of water back into the river, which other cities pick up. “It would be more beneficial to reuse this water, blending it with groundwater to create a freshwater source for ourselves,” said Garcia.

He added that implementing such a system would require the city to establish storage facilities, either above or below ground, to preserve water resources effectively. A study is currently underway to determine the best course of action for these initiatives.

Garcia detailed ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing water loss through leaking pipes, part of broader efforts to sustain a reliable water distribution system.

Looking ahead, Mayor Trevino will join other border city leaders at an upcoming conference focused on regional water conservation strategies along the Rio Grande River.

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