History of Hidalgo County Irrigation District #1
A Century of Water Stewardship

Since 1921, Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 (HCID1) has been the cornerstone of water management in the Rio Grande Valley, evolving from humble beginnings into a regional leader in irrigation and infrastructure innovation.

Founding Vision (1921–1926)
Our legacy began when five pioneering agricultural businessmen established the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 4. Key milestones:
 1922 Board of Directors:
Emile Monney (President)
Fred N. Taylor (Secretary)
A. Ledbetter, Terry Leonard, W.W. Withers (Members)

• 1923: Purchased the Peñitas pumphouse and canal system from Edinburg Irrigation District for $650,000, funded by $1.5 million in bonds. 
• 1926: Renamed Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to reflect our expanding mission.
Modern Era (1981–Present) In 1981, we adopted our current name—Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1—to emphasize our focus on efficient irrigation services. Today, we deliver water from Falcon Reservoir and the Rio Grande through 300+ miles of canals and pipelines, serving:
• Agriculture: 11,000+ acres of farmland.
• Communities: Partnering with SCID No. 15, HCID No. 13, MUD 1, and cities like Edinburg and McAllen.
Transformative Projects We invest in infrastructure to ensure reliability, sustainability, and growth:
• North Branch-East Main System: Upgrading 75-year-old canals to irrigate 3,783 acres.
• Curry Main System: Rehabilitating 7,500 acres of aging infrastructure.
• Bentsen Road Project: Buried pipelines and lined canals for urban development.
• East Main Canal (2019–2024): Converted canals to pipelines, saving 6,600 acre-feet/year (supported by federal WaterSMART grants).
Our Commitment For 103 years, HCID1 has balanced tradition with innovation—relining canals, burying pipelines, and adopting technology to serve future generations. We honor our past while building a resilient water future for South Texas. Join us in celebrating this legacy.