Update: This story originally stated Myra Alaniz would become the board’s president by receiving the most votes on Saturday night. That is not the case. The officers of the board are yet to be determined.

Original Story: 

Voters in Robstown made their voices heard Saturday in a closely watched election tied to ongoing water concerns, selecting three members to serve on the board of Nueces County Water Conservation and Improvement District #3, which encompasses Robstown and stretches north to the Nueces River.

Twelve candidates appeared on the ballot, with the top three vote-getters — Myra Alaniz, current director Ramiro Alejandro Jr. and Belinda “Shorty” Valadez — earning seats on the board.

The race drew heightened attention as drought conditions continue to strain water resources across the Coastal Bend.

Alaniz, who has been outspoken about water management in the area, said she believes the community has been overlooked.

“The city of Corpus Christi does not care about our community,” Alaniz said.

The district covers areas north of Robstown toward the banks of the Nueces River, near several of Corpus Christi’s groundwater wells — a key point of concern for residents.

Alaniz criticized how untreated groundwater has been handled, saying it has impacted water quality.

“If they cared about our community, they wouldn’t be dumping that untreated well water into the river that we pull,” she said. “Now we can’t pull that water because it has high TDS, arsenic and whatever else is in there. So now the water is compromised.”

Which is why Alaniz says the district had to turn to the interconnection deal with Corpus Christi Water.

RELATED: CCW officials detail long-term water supply plan, conservation progress

In January, the district approved an agreement to provide the city with up to 5 million gallons of untreated groundwater in exchange for 3 million gallons of treated water and a connection to the CCW system.

On Friday, CCW Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkelmann said crews should complete that connection in the next week.

“We’re taking the required bacteriological samples today and yesterday, and we’re hoping to have that interconnect fully functional at some point early next week,” Winkelmann said.

At the polls, voters emphasized the importance of cooperation among board members moving forward.

“It’s important for people who are being re-elected or elected to be able to work together — not only as a board, but with surrounding communities,” said Katrina Alejandro, whose brother, Ramiro Alejandro Jr., secured one of the three seats and oversaw the interconnection deal with CCW as board president.

Others stressed the urgency of the situation.

“Set your differences aside and focus on what’s most important — the people,” said Robstown resident Jimmy Ramirez. “We need water now. Plain and simple.”