For years, residents near Boca Chica Beach have relied on Cameron County to truck in clean water — because there’s no running water in the area. But without warning, the county suddenly stopped those deliveries, cutting off dozens of people from their only source of water.

Now, some residents say they’re being pushed into signing private contracts with SpaceX — the only other entity offering access to water — just to meet basic needs. These agreements come with disturbing terms: residents must agree to leave the area during launches, give up any legal claims, and accept that SpaceX can cut off service at any time, for any reason.

This isn’t just a water issue. It’s about whether local government will protect its citizens or abandon them to the control of a private corporation. These residents didn’t move into a SpaceX facility — SpaceX moved in around them.

We’re calling on Cameron County officials to immediately restore water service to affected residents and commit to a long-term public solution that protects access to clean water — without forcing neighbors to sign away their rights.

The people of Starbase and the surrounding area deserve better. They deserve water. They deserve dignity. And they deserve a county that puts their wellbeing before corporate convenience.