Zapata, TX –Today,  U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement in regarding action to find short-term and long-term solutions to the dangerously low water levels at Falcon Lake:

 “Right now, the low water levels at Falcon Lake are threatening the water supply for Zapata County and the surrounding areas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The situation has already forced several local governments to implement their own drought contingency plans. We are urging residents to conserve water. In addition, I organized a meeting between county officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, International Boundary and Water Commission, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to coordinate a response. We have devised short, mid, and long term steps to ensure our water supplies are secured—including securing federal funds to improve access to our current supplies. ”

Congressman Cuellar Continued: “We have discussed options such as installing additional emergency pumps and extending piping under the river’s edge. I will continue to work closely with local, state, and federal officials on addressing the crisis at Falcon Lake.” 

Similar scenarios are developing across the country. The Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Powell have been consistently dwindling for years. With Lake Mead nearing dead pool status as water levels hit another historic low. 

The recent drought has only worsened the situation and has highlighted the need for an immediate solution. 

The Congressman’s Falcon Lake initiatives can be found here.

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