In the upcoming Webb County judge runoff, water strategy has emerged as a pivotal issue, highlighting the contrasting visions of candidates Carlos Ygnacio "C.Y." Benavides III and Jerry Garza. While both agree on the urgency of addressing long-term water security, their approaches diverge significantly, reflecting differing priorities and strategies for the county's future.
Benavides' Vision: Aggressive Investment in Desalination
Benavides has made water a central theme of his campaign, advocating for aggressive pursuit of new water sources, including desalination projects. He believes that Webb County's economic competitiveness hinges on securing sustainable, high-quality water, and he emphasizes the need for state and federal investment in desalination.
"We need to have good, solid, clean water," Benavides stated during a Chamber of Commerce forum. "Long-term, desalination. That’s it."
Benavides argues that the county risks falling behind in the competition for economic development and trade opportunities if it doesn't address its water issues promptly. He frequently links water to economic growth, manufacturing, and trade, warning that Webb County might lose out to other regions without a reliable water source.
"We’re going to lose that race again," Benavides said, referring to the competition with other trade corridors in South Texas. "You know why? Because we don’t have a sustainable, quality water source."
Benavides also believes that state leadership is already leaning towards large-scale water infrastructure investment and that Webb County should proactively position itself to secure funding.
Garza's Cautious Approach: Conservation and Infrastructure
Garza, on the other hand, shares the importance of water but takes a more cautious and infrastructure-focused approach. He acknowledges that water is essential, but he questions the practicality of desalination for Webb County due to cost, infrastructure, and logistical challenges.
"Desal is an expensive proposition," Garza noted. "Last I checked, we’re not by the coast."
Garza emphasizes conservation efforts, reducing water waste, improving infrastructure, and exploring closer regional water sources. He argues that the primary challenge is not just finding water but also efficiently transporting and managing it.
"The identification of the water source really isn’t the biggest issue," Garza said. "It’s the infrastructure … to get the water here."
Garza has also proposed using Lake Casa Blanca as a short-term emergency reservoir and increasing collaboration with regional partners and the city to recycle and retain more water within the local system.
The Disagreement Over Desalination
The disagreement over desalination has become a significant policy contrast in the runoff. Benavides frames it as an unavoidable long-term solution and a part of a broader push for major infrastructure investment. In contrast, Garza argues that his approach would be more cost-effective and easier to implement, prioritizing conservation, transportation infrastructure, and regional partnerships before committing to costly large-scale projects.
Economic Implications and Voter Choice
Both candidates agree that the county's economic future is closely tied to its water concerns. Garza ties water to future manufacturing and industrial growth, warning that businesses might hesitate to invest if long-term supply remains uncertain. Benavides makes similar arguments, emphasizing that economic development, workforce growth, and housing expansion all depend on securing reliable water access.
As early voting approaches, the runoff is no longer just about whether Webb County needs a long-term water strategy. It has become a choice between two contrasting visions: one centered on aggressive investment and large-scale new supply projects, and another focused on conservation, infrastructure improvements, and regional solutions closer to home.
This election presents voters with a critical decision that will shape the county's water security and economic trajectory for years to come.
