The Amistad dam is the second major international water storage dam constructed by Mexico and the United States. It has been essential to managing water levels in the area since 1964, and it has become an integral part to the economy of Del Rio.

However, as of August 30, 2024, the Amistad Lake levels have dropped almost 12% compared to last year, wherein the lake was at 36.2% full capacity. Present day, water levels stand at 24.9%. This change is due to limestone sinkholes found near the dam that have slowly been draining the lake levels, leading to the dry conditions that we see today. The lack of rain in Del Rio has exacerbated the issue. Yet, even when rain does fall, the lake continues to drain day by day.

If this issue is not addressed, more than just lake levels will be affected. Many farmers, ranchers, and agriculturalists have all come out with their own concerns, stating that crops, such as watermelon, citrus and onion, have already started to suffer due to the insufficient water available for farming. This issue ranges on a far wider scale than what it may seem, and could have lasting effects on future generations and the city of Del Rio for years to come.

A new project will soon be up and running, however, that will properly address and provide a solution to this ongoing problem. The United States and Mexico have partnered on this long-term project to make a combined effort to fix these sinkholes. Implementation will begin in Mexico, where the sinkholes are located.

Mexico has already pledged $20 million for the first phase of the project. The U.S. will be responsible for the remaining 56% of the initiative’s expenses, as stated by U.S. IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner. The full scope of the project’s costs has not been fully solidified, but it will be a considerable expenditure and will take a great deal of time to reach completion.

This project is more important than many realize and will have a grand impact on the city of Del Rio. The project will create numerous job opportunities. This, combined with a potential influx of out-of-region workers, is a promising opportunity to produce an economic boom in Del Rio for a while. New, temporary residents or locals employed by the project will surely support the local economy through recreational and commercial activities.

Our community continues to experience severe drought, but this project has the potential to help Del Rio in many ways and is an opportunity to replenish and restore our lake to what it once was.