Evaluation of Infrastructure Impacts on Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Water Quality

Staff at the LBJ School of Public Affairs evaluated the impacts of water and wastewater (W/WW) projects along the Texas/Mexico border to determine whether these recently financed projects by the U.S. and Mexican governments achieved two of the Border 2012 goals: reduce water contamination and improve environmental health. The study included: interviews with government officials; compilation of available data and information; and visits to local utilities. The study addressed whether the sources of pollution and other health risks related to water along the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo have been identified, evaluated, and mitigated. It assessed short and long term consequences of W/WW infrastructure in the region. Mexico and the United States have been taking steps to meet the challenge of providing W/WW services to communities along both sides of the border. High growth rates, immigration, and financial conditions in low-income communities have been barriers to utility service provision. Some of the large Mexican cities along the border offer incomplete utility coverage, have unreliable service during the day, and have inadequate treatment of W/WW. This study has documented how the investment in W/WW has improved human health and the environment, and indirectly facilitated economic prosperity and other social improvements. Wastewater service has been extended in many cities and colonias. Overflow of septic tanks prior to the installation of the wastewater collection system that once endangered children's health has been reduced because of centralized wastewater collection as have problems with sewer runoff during storm events. The WW plants reduced health problems and diseases related to untreated wastewater in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo and its tributaries. The pipe systems have reduced wastewater leaks into underground water sources. Field observations during the study revealed numerous national commercial stores opening, substantial residential home construction, and a shift from an agricultural to an industrial/commercial economic base. The boost to the economy has generated tax revenue and given utilities a resource base to justify private sector investment. While the projects in the area have moved along with considerable progress, there remains much to be done. Roughly half of the infrastructure projects still need to be completed. Certain colonias still have people hauling water tanks on the back of trucks, which poses a health risk. Some Mexican border cities are now completing what have been emergency and catch-up projects. Although the W/WW program is addressing the rapid growth with every project completed, a watchful eye must be kept on the region to assure sustainability and avoidance of the root causes that led to the problems in the beginning. The projects evaluated met objectives of increasing access to clean water supply, decreasing reliance on septic tanks, and reducing sewage overflow during storm events.