BPUB COO Mark Dombroski Testifies at Senate Subcommittee

Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) Assistant General Manager & Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mark Dombroski testified on March 24, before the Senate Subcommittee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs. During the hearing, Dombroski provided valuable insights on the challenges and opportunities related to water and utility infrastructure in South Texas.

As a leading expert in utility operations and management, Dombroski discussed the vital role of reliable water and wastewater services in supporting economic growth and public health in the region. He emphasized the critical need for state and federal support to address aging infrastructure, invest in modern technologies, and enhance resiliency in the face of climate change.

“I will highlight two projects that Brownsville Public Utilities is currently pursuing: the optimization and expansion of our brackish groundwater desalination plant and the development of Indirect Potable Reuse. If funding were made available, these projects could provide up to 82% of our customers’ water demand by 2031. The total project costs for the optimization and expansion project are $244 million, and Indirect Potable Reuse is approximately $20 million,” said Dombroski.

Mark Dombroski testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, advocating for South Texas water infrastructure.

Dombroski urged legislators to continue collaborating with utility providers to develop comprehensive strategies that support long-term water security for the state of Texas.

BPUB’s strategy to meet future water demands heavily relies on the Southmost Regional Water Authority (SRWA), where BPUB maintains a 92.91% ownership share. SRWA’s partners include the City of Los Fresnos, Indian Lake, Laguna Madre Water District, Valley Municipal Utility District No. 2, and the Brownsville Navigation District. The SRWA is responsible for providing a sustainable and reliable water supply to Brownsville and surrounding communities, helping to address water scarcity challenges. Dombroski emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the SRWA to ensure that these communities have access to high-quality water for years to come.

“We are a leader in the regional approach to addressing the water crisis in South Texas. Brownsville Public Utilities has already funded, permitted, and secured over 50-mile-long corridor from the City of Brownsville to the Edinburg area, capable of hosting a water transmission line that can transport water between the north and south Rio Grande Valley communities. We are prepared to support and participate in a state water grid when it becomes a reality,” said Dombroski.

The Senate Subcommittee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs plays a key role in shaping state water policies and addressing issues affecting agriculture producers, rural communities, and municipal water utilities. The repeated invitation for Dombroski to testify before the committee, shortly following his initial appearance, emphasizes the continued urgency of addressing the water infrastructure needs in South Texas.

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