The Banco Morales Reservoir project will add a new off-channel reservoir with a capacity of 400 million gallons, increasing BPUB's total storage capacity to over 616 million gallons. This reservoir will capture surplus flows from the Lower Rio Grande that would otherwise flow into the Gulf of America, ensuring a reliable municipal water supply during drought conditions and Mexico's delivery shortfalls under the 1944 Water Treaty. The total estimated cost for the project is $38.69 million.
Technical Specifications
Location: Located between the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) levee system and Brownsville's city levee, adjacent to Water Treatment Plant 1.
Infrastructure Features
- Composite High-Density Polyethylene liner system to prevent seepage.
- The sluice gate inlet, with a capacity of 450 cubic feet per second, will capture surplus flows from Falcon Dam releases.
Strategic Impact
Reliable Water Supply
Ensures a reliable supply during Mexico's water delivery shortfalls, with a filling probability of approximately 92% annually.
Reduces Water Costs
Reduces marginal water costs to $412/acre-foot compared to $1,027/acre-foot for new allocations from Falcon Dam releases.
Increased Storage Capacity
Restores full water storage capacity by removing accumulated sediment
System Reliability
Maintains infrastructure performance for reliable service