Background

Water and wastewater services are provided by JAD. Currently, 94% of
the population has drinking water services, while 75% receives
wastewater collection services. However, there is no wastewater
treatment, so all wastewater is discharged untreated into the Rio Grande
and open-air drainage channels that eventually empty into the Gulf of
Mexico.

In addition, existing water and wastewater infrastructure has not been adequately maintained or upgraded. As a result, corroded wastewater
lines have collapsed in various parts of the city’s primary sewer system,
and in some cases, because of lack of funds, JAD has resorted to “quick
fixes” like cross-connections between the sewer and storm systems,
which reduce rainwater runoff capacity, as well as pollute agricultural
water. Moreover, JAD is experiencing water pressure and water quality
problems, as well as significant water leakage in its distribution system. 

To address these deficiencies, JAD is proposing a comprehensive water
and wastewater project to meet present and future service requirements
through 2024, to be carried out in two phases.

Description

The first phase of the project consists of the following major
components:

• Rehabilitation and expansion of the water treatment plant
• Construction of a wastewater treatment plant
• Construction and rehabilitation of water distribution and
  wastewater collection systems
• Installation of micrometers

Benefits

The project will allow JAD to meet current and future water and
wastewater demand in compliance with state and federal regulations. As
a result, environmental and health hazards associated with inadequate
sewage disposal will be reduced and the quality of water discharged into
the Rio Grande and Gulf of Mexico will be improved. Repairs to water
infrastructure will reduce water losses from leaks, while the installation
of micrometers will encourage residents to use water more
conservatively.