The Arroyo Colorado Runs Through Cameron County — and Has Water Quality Issues

The Arroyo Colorado is a large drainage channel in the Rio Grande Valley. It carries farm runoff, city drainage, and other water. The water flows through Cameron County into the lower Laguna Madre. Pollution from farms and old septic systems can build up along the way.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has an active plan for the Arroyo. The plan includes water testing and low-impact projects. It also includes a septic system inventory to identify failing systems in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. Buying land or using water near the Arroyo? Check TCEQ's data first. Poor water quality can hurt fishing and other fun on the water. Go to TCEQ's Arroyo Colorado page for updates.