The 1944 water-sharing treaty between the United States and Mexico, which governs water allocation from the Rio Grande and Colorado River, has entered a new phase of tension. Recent years have seen the treaty strained by the climate crisis, with intense drought conditions impacting both sides of the border. The situation reached a critical point as the United States rejected Mexico's request for a special water delivery intended for the border city of Tijuana. The agreement to improve water deliveries was reached in November after 18 months of negotiations, aiming for more timely cooperation between the two nations.
Water from the Rio Grande basin flows from Mexico to the United States, while the US reciprocates by sending water from the Colorado River to Mexico. However, the Colorado River's water levels have significantly decreased due to persistent drought and high agricultural demand, particularly for beef and dairy production in the southwestern United States. This depletion has had a profound impact on Tijuana, which relies on the Colorado River for approximately 90% of its water supply. Compounding the issue, Tijuana continues to face problems linked to aging infrastructure.
The treaty, structured around five-year cycles for water deliveries, faces its current cycle ending in October 2025. The recent agreement was praised by the Biden administration, highlighting a joint effort to tackle these challenges. This pact requires Mexico's collaboration with the United States to ensure more efficient water delivery.
The rejection of Mexico's request marked a historic first according to the US State Department. This decision drew attention to ongoing water allocation disputes, as American agriculture in regions such as the Rio Grande valley suffers from what some officials describe as Mexico's "continued shortfalls."
"Mexico’s continued shortfalls in its water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty are decimating American agriculture – particularly farmers in the Rio Grande valley," stated the State Department’s bureau handling Latin America.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas also voiced concerns regarding the impact on local farmers.
"Texas farmers are in crisis because of Mexico’s noncompliance," he said.
The treaty, contentious particularly south of the border, has exacerbated issues for Mexican farmers grappling with severe droughts in recent years. The agreement reached last November was an attempt to alleviate some of these concerns by promoting cooperation and better water management strategies.