MISSION, Texas - Many of the state lawmakers that participate in next week’s Texas Water Day at the Capitol will likely know about the dire water crisis facing the Rio Grande Valley.

Certainly those that traveled the region as part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s recent 2025 RGV Legislative Tour will be aware.

That is because they heard twice from Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association. He spoke once during a panel discussion that focused on water availability challenges. That was held at the Center for Education & Economic Development in Mission. He also gave a speech at the Wonderful Citrus warehouse, also in Mission.

At both events Galeazzi was blunt. The Valley has a “water crisis” on its hands, he said.

“We've got a series of challenges that are driving the water situation here in South Texas,” Galeazzi said. Of our two international reservoirs, Falcon Dam is at 14% capacity. It’s never been that low. And Amistad Dam is at 26%.”

Galeazzi pointed out that only 58 percent of the water in those dams can be used in the Valley.

“Ninety percent of our fresh water here in the Valley comes from the river,” Galeazzi said, And Mexico owes more than a million acre feet (of water) under an international treaty.”

Galeazzi continued: “Talking about all of the inflows, every bit of water that's supposed to be coming to the Rio Grande Valley, or into the Rio Grande River, is down over the last 30 years. It's trending 30% down and more. So we have a dire situation.”

Galeazzi said more than 50% of the 1.3 million citizens that live in the Valley reside in unincorporated towns. As a result, he said, they depend on water districts to get their water.

“The water districts don't have water. Those guys aren't going to be able to turn on water and get it out of the faucets.”

Although the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty is a federal issue, there are things the State of Texas can do to help the Valley, Galeazzi said.

“We're here at a very difficult time. I don’t want to understate it. It is doom and gloom time,” Galeazzi said.

“We are in a position where we have got to figure something out and the time to act is now. We can't postpone things until the next session. We can't kick this ball down the road.”

Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.

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