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• Special Report: Running Dry Play Video

  May 22, 2013 9:11 PM

  Residents Cope With Water Shortages - Drought Leaves Many in the Dark Cities Impose Tight Restrictions - Farmers and Ranchers Struggle to Stay in Business Mexico Blamed for Water Woes - A System of Dams and Reservoirs Government Waste and Lack of Oversight - Dry Rivers and... more »

• Drought Draws Animals to Reservoir Play Video

  May 17, 2013 5:23 PM

  CAMERON COUNTY - Laguna Madre water officials said the drought is drawing wildlife to their water reservoirs. An alligator sought refuge in a pond near the Laguna Madre Water District plant in Laguna Vista. Workers said the 10-foot-long alligator has been at the site for two weeks. "Now... more »

• Hidalgo County Leaders to Make Unified Plan to Address Drought Play Video

  May 9, 2013 12:52 PM

  EDINBURG - Hidalgo County leaders are meeting to discuss how to address the ongoing drought. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia said they're no longer relying on getting any water from Mexico. Instead he said he wants the county and nearly two dozen cities inside Hidalgo County to come up... more »

• Citrus Farmers Desperate for Rain Play Video

  April 30, 2013 10:06 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Some citrus farmers are praying for rain to save their crops. One grower said he is out of water and there is no more to buy. Donald Thompson said he already harvested the grapefruit in his orchard. He said now is the time the trees... more »

• Amistad Reservoir Reaches Record Lows Play Video

  April 26, 2013 8:39 PM

  WESLACO - Water levels at Amistad Reservoir have reached a record low, officials said. The reservoir is one of the Rio Grande Valley's main sources of water. Officials said levels have dwindled below those recorded in August, 1998. They said the problem could get worse in the summer.... more »

• Professor Links Drought to Population Growth

  April 26, 2013 8:06 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - The population boom in the Rio Grande Valley could be to blame for the current drought, a local professor said. "We need to realize that we live in a watershed that is water-critical naturally," Dr. Jude Benavides said. He is an associate professor of environmental sciences at... more »

• Water District on the Brink of Going Dry Play Video

  April 24, 2013 9:37 PM

  MERCEDES - Hidalgo-Cameron County Water District 9 officials said they are on the brink of running out of water. Frank "JoJo" White, the district's general manager, said the situation is critical. "Were facing something we never have before. It's unprecedented," White said. To solve the issue Mexico... more »

• Farmers Desperate for Rain

  April 24, 2013 9:29 PM

  WESLACO - Wednesday's rain had little impact on Rio Grande Valley parched farming lands, experts said. "We have had less than 2/10ths of an inch ... so this is basically nothing," Brian Jones said. He is a farmer in Edcouch. Jones said it costs about $175 to plant... more »

• Rain Brings Little Relief to Parched Crops Play Video

  April 24, 2013 4:29 PM

  WESLACO - Rio Grande Valley farmers say it will take more than a few raindrops to bring relief to their parched lands. Wednesday's rain dropped less than 1 inch of water. It was not enough to seep into the ground and reach the roots. Farmers said they will... more »

• Drought Threatens Hunting Industry

  April 23, 2013 8:22 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - The drought is having a severe impact on wildlife in the Rio Grande Valley, experts said. Experts said plants are scarce leaving wildlife with fewer food options. The parched flora offers little nutrition, they said. The problem could affect the hunting industry in the region.... more »

• Some Residents Unfazed by Drought Play Video

  April 23, 2013 7:50 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Several Rio Grande Valley irrigation districts are running out of water. But some fare better than others. For many residents in the Alamo area, irrigation water is just a phone call away. Frank Ortega said he pays about $32 for enough water to flood his... more »

• Drought Impacts Pollinators Play Video

  April 23, 2013 5:32 PM

  WESLACO - The drought is impacting nature's pollinators, experts said. Wildlife experts said they are seeing a decline in many of the pollinator populations in the region. The dry climate has reduced flowering on plants, which are the pollinating-insects source of food. "If plants are suffering, everything... more »

• Drought Blamed for Spike in Bug Population

  April 17, 2013 7:30 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Agricultural experts say some bug species are prospering amid the raging drought. The phenomenon is causing more trouble for farmers already dealing with parched lands. Texas A&M Entomologist Raul Villanueva said farmers need to fight back against a new wave of bugs. "We are... more »

• Edinburg Firefighters Battle Pole Fires Play Video

  April 17, 2013 7:17 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Edinburg firefighters have been busy putting out electrical pole fires, city officials said. Fire officials said there were 17 electrical pole fires on Wednesday. They expect the fires to keep flaring up into the night. "Over time, dryness and all this wind (cause) the power... more »

• Drought Conditions Contributed to Power Outages Play Video

  April 17, 2013 1:00 PM

  WESLACO - Electrical crews and firefighters were both up early due to power outages and power pole fires. At one point, more than 10,000 customers in Hidalgo County were in the dark. The entire town of La Villa was without power for hours. Many roads and intersections were left... more »

• Drought Affecting Valley Structures Play Video

  April 11, 2013 8:51 PM

  HARLINGEN - The drought is creating a new problem for Rio Grande Valley homeowners. The parched soil is causing foundations to shift, experts said. "If I'm cooking, I have to cook it on that side," Maggie Aguilar said while pouring cooking oil into a pan. Aguilar said her... more »

• Mexico's Release of Water into the Rio Grande

  April 6, 2013 10:59 PM

  SOUTH TEXAS - Mexico has agreed to release a small amount of water into the Rio Grande River for U.S. consumption. U.S. officials have been calling on our neighbor to the south due to the worsening drought situation. Officials from the U.S. side of the border agree that the water... more »

• Parched Lands Costly for Farmers Play Video

  April 4, 2013 9:47 PM

  WILLACY COUNTY - A farmer says the drought is forcing him to make some difficult decisions. Joe Pennington grows cotton, sugar cane and sorghum. He also raises cattle. He said his crops are parched. "It's devastating ... look around," Pennington said. "The biggest challenge we have with... more »

• Water Woes Worsen for Elsa Play Video

  April 4, 2013 7:59 PM

  WESLACO - Water restrictions are affecting more than 500,000 Rio Grande Valley residents, local leaders said. Many communities may run out of water next month. The problem lies in the persistent drought and the dwindling water levels at Amistad and Falcon reservoirs and the Rio Grande. Water reserves... more »

• Edinburg Family Harvests Rain Water During Drought Play Video

  April 3, 2013 7:46 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - An Edinburg family has turned to harvesting rain water to stay a step ahead of the drought. Every time it rains, Catherine Brush and her family collect water in a 65-gallon barrel for future use. "We know this area tends to have water issues and... more »

• More Wildfires Expected During Summer Play Video

  April 2, 2013 7:41 PM

  EDINBURG - Dry conditions will make for a blaze-prone summer, fire officials said. Edinburg Fire Chief Shawn Snider said the potential for wildfires is high. Those fires would spread quickly he said. "Just the fact that a small fire can get very big in a short period of... more »

• Experts Say Mesquite Seed Pods Can Hurt Cattle Play Video

  April 1, 2013 7:57 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - Animal experts say mesquite seed pods pose a threat to livestock in the area. The warning comes as the drought worsens limiting the food sources for cattle. "If you go out there to the ranch country, all the brush is dry. There's no grass," Dr.... more »

• Water Vanishing from Brownsville Resaca Play Video

  March 27, 2013 9:02 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - A Cameron County homeowner said the dwindling levels at a resaca forced him to change his Easter plans. Eufebio Martinez said his backyard has gone from a fun place to a depressing site. The resaca behind his home is down to a muddy mess, he said. ... more »

• Underground Water Helps Brownsville During Drought Play Video

  March 26, 2013 8:12 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - Underground water has proven crucial for Brownsville during the current drought, officials said. The water comes from the Gulf Coast Aquifer, and the Southmost Regional Water Authority is the entity responsible for drawing it from the ground and making it potable. "It's supplied by 20 wells,... more »

• Drought Impacting Zapata Fishing Tournament Play Video

  March 25, 2013 1:12 PM

  ZAPATA - Drought conditions are plaguing Zapata's big money maker. The low water levels are affecting the city's largest fishing tournament. We're about 30 feet below what fishermen call "full pool." It's about six feet lower than it was in 2008. That means these fishermen have less water to... more »

• Parents Concerned with Drought's Effects on Local Park Play Video

  March 23, 2013 10:36 PM

  EDINBURG - Parents visiting a local park worry the effects the drought is having on children. Parents say the drought is hardening the soil and drying up the water levels. CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke with parents who say the conditions are depressing. Tony Malish went to the park... more »

• Raymondville Looks to the Past for New Water Sources

  March 22, 2013 8:46 PM

  WILLACY COUNTY - The city of Raymondville is turning to an old water well for relief from the incessant drought, officials said. The 60-year-old well has not been used in years. Now, it could be the solution to some of the city's water woes. Water department employees said... more »

• Drought Forces Ranchers, Farmers to Search for Alternatives Play Video

  March 20, 2013 8:13 PM

  JIM HOGG COUNTY - The drought is impacting cattle ranchers and hay growers in South Texas. Cattle ranchers said they are turning to cactus to feed their herds. They said it is less expensive than buying hay. Bill Barfield, a cattle rancher in Jim Hogg County, said growing... more »

• McAllen Searches for New Water Sources Play Video

  March 18, 2013 8:31 PM

  McALLEN - The city of McAllen recently drilled a 400-foot-deep well in search for water. The $2.5 million project paid off, city officials said. The well will yield 1.5 million gallons of drinking water per day. "Really, this is luck more than anything else," McAllen Public Utilities Director... more »

• Drought Impacts Resaca de la Palma Play Video

  March 18, 2013 8:26 PM

  OLMITO - The drought affecting the Rio Grande Valley could have a serious impact on one of the World Birding Center's locations. Resaca de la Palma Manager Pablo de Yturbe said the dwindling water levels at the park may have an adverse effect on the wildlife and the tourists... more »

• Experts: Few Water Options Away from the Rio Grande Play Video

  March 15, 2013 10:48 PM

  HIDALGO COUNTY - High salt concentrations in the region limit the possibility of drilling for water, experts said. The bed of a lake north of Edinburg is pure salt. The lake, La Sal del Rey, is dry. Experts said that salt saturation is what makes the Valley rely on... more »

• Cameron County Demands Mexico Pay Its Water Debt Play Video

  March 15, 2013 4:31 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - Cameron County official are demanding that Mexico repay its water debt. They said that water would provide some relief from the drought. Cameron County leaders said Mexico owes the United States nearly 400 acre-feet of water. An acre foot is amount needed to cover one acre... more »

• Drought Could Prompt More Fire Warnings Play Video

  March 15, 2013 4:26 PM

  CAMERON COUNTY - Strong winds and dry conditions are elevating the risk of fires in the area, National Weather Service officials said. NWS officials said red-flag warnings will become more common in the Rio Grande Valley. "We're seeing more (warnings), partially because we're in such a dry pattern.... more »

• Drought Intensifies in South Texas Play Video

  March 14, 2013 8:10 PM

  WESLACO - The drought is intensifying in the Rio Grande Valley, experts said. They said it worsened in just two weeks. "The intensity of this drought is exceptional," Justin Gibbs said. He is with the National Weather Service in Brownsville. "This is as bad as it gets." Gibbs... more »

• Drought Forces Farmers to Switch Crops Play Video

  March 12, 2013 9:32 PM

  WESLACO - The drought is forcing some Rio Grande Valley farmers to switch crops. The change may be costly, experts said. "Sorghum doesn't pay as much as corn, but at least we'll make something," farmer Wesley Valerius said. Valerius said sorghum requires fewer waterings. "Corn takes three... more »

• Nursery Owner Hopes for a Rainy Day Play Video

  March 7, 2013 9:57 PM

  McALLEN - A McAllen business owner said she is hoping for rainy days. She said the drought has turned her nursery business into a gamble. Ceciele Waugh said it's risky business to own a flower shop in a drought. Still, she keeps her flowers blooming, even with all the... more »

• Lack of Rain May Ruin Valley Crops Play Video

  February 27, 2013 8:31 PM

  McCOOK - Rio Grande Valley farmers say the lack of rain may ruin their crops this year. The lack of water may impact irrigation farmers and even dry crops, experts said. "We're blessed in that - believe it or not - there is moisture out here. You may have... more »

• Water Crisis Threatens Valley Cities Play Video

  February 13, 2013 8:11 PM

  WESLACO - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality officials will meet with leaders from several Rio Grande Valley cities to discuss the water crisis in the region. Ten cities have been notified that they will not get water from the irrigation districts in less than two months. Officials said the... more »

• Parts of RGV Under Exceptional Drought Play Video

  January 28, 2013 1:02 PM

  WESLACO - The U.S. Drought Monitor is reporting much of the Rio Grande Valley remains under an exceptional drought. The lack of water means the Valley is considered a disaster area. Even with an upcoming cold front, the area isn't expecting rain to put a dent in the drought... more »

• Loans Available to Farmers and Ranchers Play Video

  January 25, 2013 5:44 PM

  WESLACO - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared much of the Rio Grande Valley a disaster area because of extreme conditions caused by the persistent drought officials said. The declaration will allow farmers and ranchers to request emergency loans to cover their losses. USDA officials said Valley ranchers... more »

• Residents Asked to Conserve Water Play Video

  August 17, 2012 6:27 PM

  WESALCO - Rio Grande Valley water districts said the region needs rain to refill water reserves. Weather forecasts show rain may be on the way, but they said the Valley needs 6 to 9 inches of rain to replenish water reserves. Irrigation District 9, split between Hidalgo and... more »

• Officials Urge Caution with Fireworks Play Video

  July 2, 2012 5:04 PM

  WESALCO - Fire experts today said the recent rains weren't enough to end the drought in the Rio Grande Valley or the burn ban in some counties. Starr and Willacy counties remain under a burn ban. Willacy officials are asking residents to refrain from using fireworks. They said... more »

• Residents Encouraged to Conserve Water Play Video

  June 21, 2012 5:34 PM

  McALLEN - Rio Grande Valley cities are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast and hoping a rainstorm may ward off water conservation efforts. Water levels at Falcon Lake are 40 feet below normal, but as of now the City of McAllen hasn't been forced to restrict water... more »

• Falcon Lake Levels Dropping at Alarming Rate Play Video

  June 20, 2012 7:14 PM

  FALCON LAKE - Dropping water levels at Falcon Lake could spell trouble for local residents and the entire Rio Grande Valley. Expert said water levels at the lake have dropped 40 feet. Visitors must walk on a dry lake bed before reaching water. "It affects the whole town.... more »

• Dry Conditions Proving Disastrous for Valley Quail Hunting Play Video

  January 18, 2012 7:15 PM

  WESLACO - The Rio Grande Valley's wickedly dry conditions are hitting hunters where it hurts with a drop in business and a loss of major money. About the only color you'll see at Buenos Aires Ranch is red dirt. You see it everywhere. The land near Linn-San Manuel is... more »

• Drought Affecting Valley Ranchers Bottom Line Play Video

  December 30, 2011 7:30 PM

  The Valley drought is costing ranchers big bucks. A lack of rain is forcing some to sell the livestock they love. It has rained in the past week, but for Valley ranchers, it's not enough. The drought is starting to take a real toll. Rancher Balde Garcia has... more »

• Sheriff Says More Bodies Could Be Found in Falcon Lake Because of Drought Play Video

  December 29, 2011 7:33 PM

  ZAPATA COUNTY - The drought may be the reason for the discovery of human remains in Falcon Lake. Falcon Lake is more than 20 feet below normal. Authorities say it's common to find bodies wash up. This recent find has some fishermen on edge. If only safety here meant... more »

• Cameron County Extends Burn Ban Play Video

  December 12, 2011 2:44 PM

  CAMERON COUNTY - The weekend rains weren't enough to stop the drought. Cameron County leaders have decided to extend the burn ban for another month. The county's fire marshal is banning all outdoor burning from now until Jan. 7. Leaves, grass, brush and trash are out of the question.... more »