Title: Mexico Agrees to Boost Water Deliveries to Texas Under 1944 Treaty—But Challenges Remain for Drought-Stricken Rio Grande Valley
Meta Description: Mexico pledges 420,000 acre-feet of water to Texas amid a deepening crisis, but the Rio Grande Valley’s farmers and leaders demand long-term solutions. Dive into the politics, impacts, and future of the U.S.-Mexico water dispute.
The Rio Grande Valley’s Water Crisis: A Battle for Survival
For decades, the Rio Grande Valley has relied on water deliveries from Mexico under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty, a landmark agreement governing shared water resources from the Colorado River and Rio Grande. But as drought tightens its grip on the American Southwest, Texas farmers and lawmakers are locked in a high-stakes battle to hold Mexico accountable for its mounting water debt—a debt that has crippled agriculture, shuttered industries, and threatened the region’s economic future.
This week, a breakthrough emerged: Mexico agreed to deliver up to 420,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. by October 2024, the deadline for the current five-year treaty cycle. While this marks progress, it still leaves a staggering 800,000 acre-foot deficit, raising questions about the Valley’s ability to recover from years of scarcity.
The 1944 Treaty: A Lifeline Under Strain
The 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years (averaging 350,000 acre-feet annually) from six tributaries feeding the Rio Grande. However, with just months left in the current cycle, Mexico has supplied less than 600,000 acre-feet—only 34% of its obligation.
The new agreement, announced by the U.S. State Department and detailed by U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Edinburg), includes:
- An immediate transfer of 56,750 acre-feet from the Amistad Reservoir.
- Monthly water releases from Amistad and Falcon reservoirs.
- Increased U.S. shares from treaty-managed tributaries, rising from one-third to half of the water supply.
- Additional flows from the Río San Juan, a source not originally included in the treaty.
“This is a big step in the right direction, but it’s not the last,” De La Cruz said at a press conference, crediting former President Donald Trump’s administration for pressuring Mexico. “Every South Texas family depends on this water.”
Political Tensions: Trump’s Legacy vs. Biden’s Approach
The agreement has ignited partisan debate. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), a vocal advocate for enforcing the treaty, praised Trump’s efforts while criticizing the Biden administration for “sitting on its hands” as Texas farmers suffered.
“Mexico’s refusal to comply with the treaty has devastated South Texas,” Cornyn said. “I’ll keep working with President Trump to ensure Mexico meets its obligations.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-McAllen) emphasized that water deliveries alone won’t solve the crisis. “We lose 40% of Mexico’s water to evaporation and seepage due to aging infrastructure,” he said. “Federal investment is critical.”
Agriculture on the Brink: Lost Crops, Lost Livelihoods
The water shortage has ravaged the Rio Grande Valley’s agricultural heartland:
- In 2023, the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers—Texas’ last sugar mill—closed after 51 years, costing 500 jobs.
- Citrus growers, a $100 million industry, fear they could be next. “This water will help us survive the summer,” said Dale Murden of Texas Citrus Mutual.
- Farmers have received $280 million in federal disaster aid, but many say it’s too little, too late.
“Recovery will take years,” said Russell Boening of the Texas Farm Bureau. “Mexico must keep its promises.”
The Path Forward: Infrastructure and Accountability
While the new agreement offers short-term relief, leaders are pushing for lasting solutions:
- Modernizing Infrastructure: De La Cruz’s South Texas Water Working Group aims to reduce waste through improved canals and storage systems.
- Linking Water to Trade: Some propose tying Mexico’s treaty compliance to the USMCA trade agreement.
- Climate Resilience: With droughts intensifying, experts urge investments in desalination and groundwater projects.
“We need to become self-sufficient,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “The losses we’ve endured are irreversible.”
What’s Next?
In July, U.S. and Mexican officials will meet to assess progress and plan for the next five-year cycle. For now, the Rio Grande Valley remains at the mercy of a fragile agreement—and a changing climate.
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https://www.texastribune.org/2025/04/29/mexico-texas-water-deal-donald-trump/
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