Drainage Leader: Urban Growth is Overwhelming Aging Systems — Major Upgrades Underway
As development accelerates across Hidalgo County, the region’s aging drainage systems are facing increased strain, prompting significant infrastructure upgrades. According to Yvette Barrera, the assistant general manager of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, these systems were initially designed for agricultural fields, but rapid urban expansion is overwhelming them, increasing the risk of flooding and necessitating urgent action.
The Challenges of Urban Expansion
With urban growth transforming the landscape of Hidalgo County, there has been a substantial rise in impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt. This change results in faster stormwater runoff, which significantly raises flooding risks. The older drainage systems, which were adequate for 10-year storm events and rural runoff patterns, now struggle to cope with these new realities. As Barrera explained at a recent infrastructure luncheon hosted by the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) in McAllen, “Our drainage system was developed to serve agriculture. As land develops, the impervious area increases, and the system very quickly becomes overwhelmed.”
Addressing the Strain
The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, which covers about 40% of the county’s land area yet serves 90% of its population, is under considerable pressure. This situation underscores the need for transformative infrastructure upgrades to support the growing demands of Valley residents. In response to severe flooding events in 2018 and 2023, voters approved bond programs totaling $385 million. These funds are dedicated to widening and restoring 430 miles of drainage channels, constructing new detention ponds, and acquiring land for future expansions.
Some of these projects have already demonstrated effectiveness in preventing neighborhood flooding. For instance, during the March 2025 storm event, the Mission Lateral project prevented repeat flooding along a corridor that had previously overtopped, while new detention ponds and upgraded drainage in Weslaco’s Las Brisas and Chapa subdivisions kept those neighborhoods dry.
Implementing a Dual Strategy
Yvette Barrera emphasized the importance of a comprehensive strategy that includes both conveyance and storage to ensure effective drainage. Conveyance involves efficiently moving water out of neighborhoods toward natural water bodies, while storage refers to temporarily holding water in detention ponds to control its release rates. This dual approach, akin to the Texas Department of Transportation’s “spokes in a wheel” method, ensures that the system does not bottleneck and can handle peak flows.
Moreover, Barrera urged municipalities to enforce policies that require developers to manage stormwater on-site. This mandate would align new developments with the district’s drainage capacity, which is crucial for maintaining balance as urban and industrial growth continues. “It’s a long-term solution and requires quite a bit of planning to accomplish,” Barrera said of capturing floodway water during high-flow events — a concept that also demands extensive land acquisition and collaboration.
Future Implications
As urbanization and climate variability persist, Barrera highlighted the necessity of ongoing investments to build a more resilient drainage system. Without proactive measures, the drainage networks will remain under stress, threatening the safety and well-being of South Texas communities. “Our responsibility is to continue increasing capacity and working with our partners to protect our communities,” she remarked, highlighting the shared responsibility between the drainage district, municipalities, and developers.
For Valley residents, this focus on infrastructure upgrades signals a commitment to enhancing local impact and community interest. As these improvements progress, they hold the promise of safeguarding the Rio Grande Valley from the increasing complexities of urbanization, ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for its growing population.
As the district continues to implement these vital changes, community members are encouraged to stay informed and involved. Local seminars and resources are available for those interested in learning more about the ongoing projects and how they can contribute to the district’s vision for sustainable growth in Hidalgo County.
