In Harlingen, a city deeply affected by the drought, a significant debate has been raging for nearly nine months. City officials are now taking decisive steps to manage the presence of car washes along the main streets. The issue at hand is not just about the visual aspect but the substantial water consumption by these businesses. As the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs steadily drop to 20% levels, the high water usage of car washes is becoming a pressing concern.

"Harlingen's Car Wash Controversy: Water, Business, and Conservation"

Car Wash Boom and Its Impact

After months of deliberation, car washes have become a hot topic in Harlingen. Commissioner Rene Perez has been at the forefront of pushing for regulations, highlighting how the rapid spread of the industry is gobbling up prime commercial lots. This boom is not only changing the city's landscape but also having a significant impact on water resources.The Blue Wave car wash, the city's largest, used more than 11 million gallons of water last year, as per a WaterWorks' report. This data has played a crucial role in convincing commissioners to take action. With other area cities like McAllen, Brownsville, Edinburg, and Alamo already calling for restrictions, Harlingen is now catching up.

Water Conservation and Regional Reserves

Commissioner Norma Sepulveda emphasized the importance of conservation during Wednesday's meeting. She pointed out that the high water usage of car washes is dipping into regional reserves, which is a concern for the whole region. As the reservoirs continue to decline, every drop counts.Car washes do not pump sales tax revenue into the city coffers, unlike other businesses. This lack of financial contribution adds to the argument for regulating them. Sepulveda stated that businesses that bring in sales tax help bring down the tax rate, but car washes do not have this benefit.

Balancing Business and Conservation

Perez clarified that the restrictions are not aimed at banning car washes from doing business. He stressed that this is a matter of conservation during a major drought. Other cities have taken the lead in implementing regulations, and Harlingen feels the pressure to catch up.Commissioner Ford Kinsley called for a one-size-fits-all approach, suggesting that any high-volume industry using a lot of water should be scrutinized. Commissioner Daniel Lopez agreed, cautioning the commission to be aware of the precedent they set.In response, the city's planning director, Xavier Cervantes, was tasked with working on a proposal to regulate other high-water users. This shows the city's commitment to conserving water and implementing measures across all major consumption businesses.