The Santa Cruz Irrigation District No. 15 was originally created, established and incorporated as the Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 15 in late October of 1941 under the authority of Section 59 of Article XVI of the Constitution of the State of Texas. In September 1980, the District name was changed to Santa Cruz Irrigation District No. 15 when it was successfully petitioned to convert the District to an Irrigation District under Chapter 58, V.T.C.A. Water Code of Texas to provide area farmers with irrigation water; north of Monte Cristo Road in North Edinburg onto District land situated in close proximity to the east and west of Highway 281.

Santa Cruz Irrigation District No. 15 has changed its name to Santa Cruz Water Control and Improvement District No. 15 as of July 10, 2024 under the authority of Chapter 51 : Section 59 : Article XVI of the Constitution of the State of Texas.

The District does not have a pump on the Rio Grande River, but instead relies up water deliveries from Hidalgo County Irrigation District One (HCID#1) at a diversion point by Ware Rd. and Monte Cristo. HCID #1 pumps water from the Rio Grande River at their Pinitas, TX pump station.

The District encompasses 31,000 acres of which approximately 21,000 are actively irrigated. District landowners utilize drip, center pivot and flood irrigation. The District farmers grow various crops to include citrus, watermelons, onions, pastures and potatoes, as well as some specialty greens and vegetables. Though grown in several nearby districts, sugar cane is not a typical crop in our District.

To contend with years of low precipitation or even drought conditions, the District Board of Directors implements a water allocation program for participating farmers and ranchers to better manage limited water releases available to the District from the Rio Grande Watermaster’s office. The District has 75,080 acres feet authorized water rights designated for irrigation use. The District also transports water for out of District customers by way of contract water purchased from other districts.

The District, as well, provides raw water to the North Alamo Water Supply Corporation; providing drinking water to nearby rural communities.

General Manager:
Beatriz Martinez