Laredo replaces first phase of aging water lines after years of main breaks

LAREDO, Texas (UI) — The City of Laredo has begun replacing its first set of aging water lines, launching a major effort to modernize water infrastructure and reduce the risk of recurring main breaks.

The first phase of the citywide Water Line Replacement Project targets about 30,110 feet of old and frequently damaged lines. Over the past five years, those lines have contributed to 273 water main breaks and the loss of an estimated 17.2 million gallons of water.

“This work represents a major step forward in improving the City’s water infrastructure and addressing long-standing concerns from residents,” city officials said.

The Utilities Department selected streets in each council district based on service records, repair frequency, and water loss. Construction began in June, and contractors have been moving through priority streets in Districts 3, 4, and 8 throughout the summer.

The work is supported by $11.3 million from the 2022 Water Revenue Bond, with additional funding secured from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for future phases. The multi-year replacement effort will continue into the fall, with more phases planned through November 2025.

To minimize disruption, the contractor has been conducting door-to-door outreach to provide information and answer questions in neighborhoods where construction is scheduled. Residents will continue receiving updates ahead of each new phase, including traffic impacts and detours.

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