Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. Previously, she was the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development for Mexico City from 2012 to 2018. Her role in environmental policy and sustainable development makes her statements on water resource management significant.
Water Delivery Agreement Between Mexico and the U.S.
In a recent press conference, Claudia Sheinbaum addressed concerns regarding Mexico’s water delivery agreement with the United States, specifically in the context of an extreme drought affecting the Rio Bravo watershed.
Addressing Concerns
Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that Mexico is not delivering water it does not have available or compromising its own human consumption and agricultural activities. The agreement, she explained, is based on an analysis of various watersheds without exceeding the limits set by the 1944 Water Treaty or jeopardizing Mexico’s water needs.
Timeline and Drought Impact
The U.S. had initially requested the water transfer by December 31st, but Mexico found this timeline unfeasible due to the technical and environmental implications. Sheinbaum Pardo clarified that the narrative suggesting Mexico’s reluctance to deliver water is incorrect; instead, the prolonged drought has limited water availability in recent years.
Upcoming Water Transfer
Starting December 15, Mexico will release 249.163 cubic meters of water to the U.S., adhering to real hydrological availability, infrastructure operational limits, and respect for the human right to water and agricultural production in the northern border region.
Mexico’s Commitment to Water Management
The Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) confirmed that these water transfers strictly follow real hydrological availability, infrastructure operational limits, and respect for the human right to water and agricultural production in the northern border region.
Both governments agreed on a technical route to address the current water cycle and the five-year deficit, in accordance with Article 4 of the 1944 Treaty, considering the rainfall recorded in each period.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Is Mexico delivering water it doesn’t have? A: No, Mexico is not delivering water it does not have available. The prolonged drought has limited water availability, but Mexico is adhering to the 1944 Water Treaty limits.
- Q: What is the purpose of the water transfer agreement? A: The agreement aims to manage water resources between Mexico and the U.S., considering real hydrological availability, infrastructure limits, and respect for human rights to water and agricultural production.
- Q: When will the water transfer begin? A: The water transfer will commence on December 15, 2025.
- Q: How much water will Mexico deliver to the U.S.? A: Mexico will transfer 249.163 cubic meters of water to the U.S.
- Q: How are both governments addressing the drought impact? A: Both governments agreed on a technical route to address the current water cycle and the five-year deficit, considering rainfall in each period.
