As of 2024, approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. Oceans hold about 96.54% of all Earth’s water, 1% goes into the atmosphere, 1.74% goes to ice cap, glaciers and permanent snow, and 1.69% goes to freshwater resources.

The vast majority of water on Earth is saline water in the oceans and cannot be used for drinking or to grow corps.

The freshwater resources, such as rivers, lakes and groundwater that recharge from aquifers that are available for use, are estimated to be consumed in the following way:

• About 60% is used for irrigation to grow different types of crops
• About 15% is used for industrial use such as manufacturing goods, power, mining, etc.
• About 25% is municipal use: tap drinking water used for gardening, recreation, cooking, drinking and personal hygiene.

Resources:

• How Much Water is There on Earth? | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)
• Historical Water Use Estimates | Texas Water Development Board

The regional water supply comes from the Amistad and Falcon Dams, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality continually monitors and enforces Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

As a water conservation effort, the Hidalgo Irrigation District has initiated regional water supply triggers to help the region regulate its water supply. The City of Pharr will continue its efforts to conserve water resources as well.

• City of Pharr Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan (Ordinance No. O-2024-18) – PDF
• During hot months usually from June – August the City of Pharr will enforce Stage 2 of the Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan (Ordinance No. O-2024-18) and encourages residents to please do their part to conserve water. During this time the public is limited on landscape irrigation to the following:
• Residents with addresses ending in odd numbers (1,3,5,7,9) may irrigate between 8:00pm and 8:00am on Wednesdays and Saturdays
• Residents with addresses ending in even numbers (0,2,4,6,8) may irrigate between 8:00pm and 8:00am on Thursdays and Sundays
• The public is allowed to wash automobiles at commercial car washes or at their residence only on their designated irrigation days and the hose must have a flow control device (i.e. spray gun, control nozzle) to stop water flow when not in use.
• WASHING OF DRIVEWAYS, SIDEWALKS, PARKING AREAS, AND STREETS IS PROHIBITED.
• Violators of this ordinance can be fined up to $2,000.

For questions or comments please call 956-402-4300.