Pharr residents urge city to maintain storm drains

PHARR, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In the wake of devastating floods in the Valley recently, and hurricane season beginning, a group of Pharr residents is concerned the city isn't clearing out storm drains in the city.

Ricardo Rosales was born and raised in Pharr. He said that he and some of his neighbors don't like what they've seen when it comes to storm drain maintenance on the west side of town. Rosales said he's taken it upon himself to monitor the state of storm drains in his neighborhood.

“I’ve been doing it for the last three months. On my own, nobody’s paying me. Paying my own gas, and I’m doing it because I want to help out our citizens. It’s embarrassing,” Rosales said.

Rosales said he's very familiar with how the Public Works Department should handle issues like storm drain maintenance. He was a longtime city employee, now retired.

Rosales said, “I worked 22 years with the city of Pharr in public works. I was the streets and alley supervisor.”

ValleyCentral reached out to the city of Pharr about Rosales's concerns. The city provided a statement, saying the city is committed to maintaining efficient drainage and stormwater flow throughout the community.

The statement went on to say, "While there is no set schedule for dredging and maintenance, these areas are regularly monitored and cleared as needed....The Public Works Stormwater Division also routinely inspects and clears storm drain inlets across the city to prevent blockages and ensure proper water runoff during rain events."

But Rosales said he hasn't seen the city working on the drainage system where he lives, saying, “I haven’t seen a work truck checking the storm drains. Where’s Public Works? Do your job.”

While we were in the area to cover this story, ValleyCentral saw two storm drains that had trees growing in them. The first was on the corner of West State Avenue and North Bluebonnet Street. The other storm drain, in front of the post office on West Park Avenue, had a palm tree sprouting inside.

“When it rained last April, we were flooded out of our houses. Water got inside of our houses. We need help…and hurricane season starts this week,” Rosales said.

In the same statement from Pharr officials, the city said the Parks and Rec Department also helps with water runoff during rain events by mowing ditches to control vegetation growth and maintain clear pathways for stormwater.

Pharr residents who have concerns about drainage or wish to report an issue were directed in the statement to contact the Pharr Public Works Department at (956) 402-4350.

Rosales said he and his neighbors plan to voice their concerns to city leaders at the next City Commission meeting happening on June 16.

READ FULL STATEMENT FROM CITY OF PHARR

The City of Pharr is committed to maintaining efficient drainage and stormwater flow throughout our community. The Public Works Department plays a key role in this effort by performing dredging operations on city-maintained canals. This process helps remove built-up vegetation that can obstruct water flow.

Canals not maintained by the city fall under the responsibility of Hidalgo County. While there is no set schedule for dredging and maintenance, these areas are regularly monitored and cleared as needed. The Public Works Stormwater Division also routinely inspects and clears storm drain inlets across the city to prevent blockages and ensure proper water runoff during rain events.

Additionally, the City of Pharr Parks and Recreation Department supports these efforts by mowing ditches to control vegetation growth and maintain clear pathways for stormwater.

Residents who have concerns about drainage or wish to report an issue are encouraged to contact the Pharr Public Works Department at (956) 402-4350.