San Patricio County Passes Resolution Supporting Sinton's Water Rights Amid Drought Concerns

The San Patricio County Commissioners Court meeting on August 25, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding water rights and groundwater management in the region. The discussions were sparked by a proposed plan from the City of Corpus Christi to purchase water rights from the Evangeline Underground Project, which would allow the city to extract approximately 25.4 million gallons of water per day from local aquifers.

Residents, including ranchers and farmers, expressed their fears about the potential negative impact on local water supplies. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of groundwater resources, with one resident urging the court to halt the permitting process for the water extraction, advocating instead for conservation and desalination as long-term solutions.

James Dodson, a consultant for the Evangeline Water Project, defended the initiative, citing extensive studies and support from the local Groundwater Conservation District. He emphasized that the project had been thoroughly evaluated and would not harm local water supplies. However, some commissioners expressed skepticism about the resolution supporting the project, arguing that it contradicted previous efforts to protect local water resources.

The court ultimately passed a resolution opposing the excessive extraction of water from the Evangeline aquifer, citing the risks to local farmers and residents. The resolution aims to support the City of Sinton in its fight against the water extraction plan, highlighting the need for a unified strategy to secure sustainable water solutions for the region.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between local water needs and broader regional water management strategies, with commissioners acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the necessity for further study and discussion. The resolution passed with a vote of 4 to 1, indicating a division among the commissioners regarding the best approach to address the water crisis facing San Patricio County.