A STUDY OF INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS AFFECTING WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY,TEXAS.

摘要

Among the institutional factors which complicate water development and use in the Valley are: (1) a proliferation of special districts, (2) inappropriate water management policies among districts, (3) uncertainties in water rights,and (4) numerous governmental entities involved in planning for and administration of water resources. In the Valley,these factors have acted as deterrents to many needed developments and to changes in uses which would be economic. It is recommended that the people of the Valley request an early adjudication of rights. Certainty in the water rights will contribute to decisions to invest in the resource. Negotiability of rights is also suggested. This would require a change in State law,but it would facilitate achievement of efficiency in use of water in the Valley. Rehabilitation of irrigation systems,including installation of water meters is a needed further development. To achieve improvements in irrigation,flood control and drainage,some reorganization of people in special districts will probably be necessary. A master district for the three-county area may be a logical alternative to the many that now exist. (WRSIC abstract)