History of Hidalgo County Irrigation District #1

About HCID1: A Century of Innovation and Service


Our story begins in 1921 Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 (HCID1) traces its roots back to 1921, when five visionary agricultural businessmen established the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 4. In 1923, the district purchased all right-of-way (ROW) and infrastructure from the Edinburg Irrigation District for $650,000 which included the Peñitas pumphouse and canal system. This milestone was funded by securing $1.5 million through the sale of 1,500 bonds, each valued at $1,000. The district's first board of directors, appointed on May 13, 1922, included: • Emile Monney – President • Fred N. Taylor – Secretary • A. Ledbetter – Member • Terry Leonard – Member • W.W. Withers – Member In 1925, the board resolved to rename the district, and in early 1926, it became the Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1. This name reflected its growing role in water management. In 1981, the district officially reverted to its current name, Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1, to align with its primary focus on irrigation services. A Legacy of Progress For over a century, HCID1 has been at the forefront of water management and innovation. From relining canals to burying pipelines, the district has consistently invested in infrastructure to improve water delivery and support urban, agricultural, and industrial growth. Our water is sourced from the Falcon Reservoir and the Rio Grande River, distributed through an interconnected system of canals and pipelines. HCID1 also supplies water to neighboring districts and municipalities, including Santa Cruz Irrigation District No. 15, Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 13, MUD 1, and cities such as Edinburg and McAllen. Major Infrastructure Projects North Branch-East Main System • Provides irrigation to 3,783 acres east of Edinburg. • Originally built 75 years ago, ongoing upgrades aim to restore full capacity. Curry Main System • Serves 7,500 acres east of Edinburg. • Current rehabilitation addresses frequent maintenance issues caused by aging infrastructure. Bentsen Road North Main Project • Completed 8,000 linear feet of buried pipelines and 7,000 linear feet of lined canals. • Enhanced safety, water efficiency, and urban development opportunities. East Main Canal Relining and Pipeline Project (2019–2024) • Converted 8,000 feet of open canal into pipeline and relined 30,000 linear feet of canal. • Improved water conservation and delivery efficiency. Five-Mile to Ware Road Lining Project (2024) • Supported by the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART grant. • Modernized infrastructure saves over 6,600 acre-feet of water annually and improves energy efficiency. Committed to Excellence At HCID1, we’re proud of our rich history and ongoing efforts to serve our community. By continually enhancing our infrastructure and adopting innovative practices, we ensure reliable, efficient water delivery while supporting sustainable growth and development for generations to come.