Background on the Tratado de Aguas (1944)
The Tratado de Aguas, or Water Treaty of 1944, is a crucial agreement between Mexico and the United States that governs the allocation of water resources from the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo basin. This treaty has been essential in managing water distribution between the two countries, especially during periods of drought.
Current Situation and Negotiations
Due to an extreme and prolonged drought affecting both countries, Mexico has agreed to release 249.163 cubic kilometers of water to the United States, as per their understanding reached within the framework of the 1944 Tratado de Aguas. The Mexican Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE) confirmed that these releases will adhere strictly to real hydrological availability, operational infrastructure limits, and respect for the human right to water as well as agricultural production in the northern border region.
Key Points of the Agreement
- Mexico has not violated the Tratado and all water deliveries comply with real-time hydrological conditions.
- Both governments have reached an understanding on managing water for the current cycle and addressing the deficit from the previous cycle, as per Article 4 of the 1944 Tratado.
- Water deliveries will commence during the week of December 15 and are part of a technical route designed for efficient water administration under extraordinary scarcity conditions.
- Despite the severe drought, Mexico has made additional deliveries within the Tratado’s framework without compromising human consumption water supply or agricultural production.
Ongoing Negotiations and Cooperation
Mexico and the United States continue negotiations to finalize an integral plan by January 31, 2026. Both nations recognize the critical importance of water delivery obligations and their direct impact on the population, emphasizing the need to strengthen timely and efficient resource management through binational mechanisms of the Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas (CILA/IBWC).
Claudia Sheinbaum’s Statement
During a press conference on December 11, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the bilateral dialogue on water matters has been ongoing for months, not triggered by recent statements from former US President Trump. Sheinbaum explained that the previous quinquennial deficit was not due to a lack of political will but rather severe drought conditions.
Water Delivery Balance
According to the Comisión Internacional de Límites y Aguas (CILA), Mexico’s water deliveries between 2020 and 2024 varied from the annual treaty-stipulated amount of 431.72 cubic kilometers, resulting in pending balances in certain years.
- In 2020: Delivered 25.811 cubic kilometers, pending balance of 405.909.
- In 2021: Delivered 51.443 cubic kilometers, pending balance of 380.277.
- In 2022: Delivered 325.466 cubic kilometers, pending balance of 106.254.
- In 2023: Delivered 62.548 cubic kilometers, pending balance of 369.172.
- In 2024: Delivered 91.049 cubic kilometers, pending balance of 340.671.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Tratado de Aguas? The Tratado de Aguas, or Water Treaty of 1944, is an agreement between Mexico and the United States governing water resource allocation from the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo basin.
- Why is Mexico releasing water to the US? Due to an extreme and prolonged drought affecting both countries, Mexico has agreed to release 249.163 cubic kilometers of water as per the 1944 Tratado de Aguas.
- When will the water releases begin? Water releases will commence during the week of December 15, 2023.
- How will Mexico ensure compliance with the Tratado? Both countries are negotiating an integral plan to be finalized by January 31, 2026, emphasizing timely and efficient water resource management.
- What has been Mexico’s track record in water deliveries? Despite drought conditions, Mexico has made additional deliveries within the Tratado’s framework without compromising human consumption water supply or agricultural production.
