Study to Examine Wastewater Reuse Strategies to Strengthen Laredo’s Long Term Water Supply Future

LAREDO, TEXAS — On Thursday, October 15, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX-28) will join City of Laredo officials, and representatives from the North American Development Bank (NADBank) and the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) to formally announce that a major feasibility study examining wastewater reuse as a new water strategy for Laredo is now underway.

“We need all options on the table when it comes to expanding Laredo’s water supply,” Cuellar said. “That is why I worked to bring NADBank to the table, help secure the necessary funding, and get this feasibility study on the books.”

The NADBank awarded the City of Laredo a $180,000 investment from its Technical Assistance Program (TAP) to evaluate the possibility of developing a Community Water and Energy Resource Center, or CWERC, to create beneficial uses for reclaimed wastewater. The total amount of the project is $261,500, which includes $7,500 in matching funds from RGISC and $9,000 from the City of Laredo.

Natural Systems Utilities (NSU), an industry leading firm that specializes in designing water reuse systems, is expected to complete its feasibility study and provide the City with a set of recommendations for moving forward. If the study demonstrates favorable technical and economic outcomes, the next step under the TAP agreement would be to advance a recommended project concept through preliminary design and bring it before the Laredo City Council for consideration and approval.

“Given the pressures placed on the river by growing population and climate change, we are studying how to help Laredo expand its water supply,” said RGISC Watershed Science Director Martin Castro. “A CWERC is designed to recover energy, reduce waste, and turn resources we currently discard into something of value for the community.”

Councilmember Rick Garza explained that “Longer term, a CWERC can strengthen Laredo’s long term water future by diversifying its water portfolio, keeping local control over its water resources, and reducing pressure on the Rio Grande, Laredo’s only source of drinking water.”

“We know that wastewater reuse is a proven strategy that works. We saw that on a recent trip to El Paso and Tucson where they use it for ecological restoration and purple pipe for irrigation,” Garza said. “I am looking forward to the results of the study.”

“For more than 30 years, NADBank has helped border communities improve water quality and public health. As extended drought and growing demand place increasing pressure on the Rio Grande, the Bank’s focus is water security through conservation and diversification of water supplies,” said Jesse J. Hereford, NADBank’s Director of Institutional Communication.

“We are pleased to support this feasibility study and grateful for the partnership of Congressman Henry Cuellar, the City of Laredo, and the Rio Grande International Study Center in advancing innovative solutions for Laredo’s future”, Hereford said.

Meanwhile, Cuellar said that this long awaited study provides meaningful partnerships for Laredo to bring federal and binational water infrastructure funding and resources to the region.

WHEN: Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 9:00AM

WHERE: North Laredo Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1701 Shiloh Dr, Laredo, Texas 78045

WHO: Congressman Henry Cuellar, District 28,City of Laredo, NADBank, RGISC