The city of Alamo has received more than $2.5 million from the state to begin planning and designing a new groundwater project.

The plan calls for two new water wells at the city's existing water plant. Groundwater from those wells would be treated and turned into drinking water.

The city's water plant can currently treat about 5 million gallons a day. Alamo Mayor J.R. Garza says the new wells could eventually help increase that capacity to about 6 to 7 million gallons a day.

"Water is a big issue right now. Everyone is trying to find different ways to find water, to take care of what they have," Garza said. "Water sources are huge right now in the Rio Grande Valley and I'm sure across Texas and across the U.S., but specifically here in South Texas."

The first step starts now with environmental and geological work at the water plant. Garza says that process could take a couple of months.