Background on the Water Sharing Agreement
The delivery of water from Mexico to the United States, as per the 1944 Waters Treaty, does not jeopardize human consumption or agricultural activities within Mexico. This assurance comes from the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE), emphasizing that adherence to the international agreement is governed by technical criteria and includes provisions for anticipating droughts.
The 1944 Waters Treaty
According to the treaty, Mexico is obligated to provide an annual volume of water from six tributaries of the Rio Grande (also known as Río Bravo). However, it allows for these deliveries to accumulate and regulate over five-year cycles, especially during extraordinary drought conditions. In such cases, unfulfilled volumes can be made up in the subsequent cycle.
Severe Drought and its Impact
The 2020-2025 period witnessed one of the most severe droughts in recorded history for the Rio Bravo basin, preventing full compliance with the total quota. This situation is accounted for within the bilateral agreement itself, granting Mexico a new cycle until October 2030 to compensate for the shortfall.
Regional Water Management Initiatives
Parallel to these challenges, initiatives have been launched to enhance water management in the border region. Through a technification program, conservation and optimization works are being executed in irrigation districts 025 and 026 in Tamaulipas, as well as districts 005 and 009 in Chihuahua. The aim is to bolster agricultural production and ensure water supply for the population.
Recent Developments
On December 12, Mexico and the United States agreed to release 249 million cubic meters of water. This volume is now available due to recent rains, and the delivery will strictly adhere to treaty stipulations while ensuring domestic supply.
Ongoing Dialogue and Future Planning
The Mexican Foreign Affairs highlighted that both nations maintain open communication to establish a delivery plan for the current cycle. This scheme must be mutually agreed upon by no later than January 31, 2026, to ensure equitable administration of the resource for the benefit of populations on both sides of the border.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the 1944 Waters Treaty? The treaty outlines the annual water volume Mexico must provide to the United States from six Rio Grande tributaries, with provisions for drought management.
- How has the recent severe drought affected water deliveries? The 2020-2025 drought prevented full quota compliance, but the treaty includes a new cycle until 2030 to compensate for shortfalls.
- What initiatives are being taken to manage water resources in the border region? Mexico and the U.S. are implementing a technification program to optimize irrigation districts in Tamaulipas and Chihuahua, enhancing agricultural production and water supply.
- What recent agreement has been made regarding water deliveries? Mexico and the U.S. agreed to release 249 million cubic meters of water, made possible by recent rains, ensuring adherence to the 1944 Waters Treaty.
- How are both nations ensuring equitable water administration? Mexico and the U.S. maintain open dialogue to establish a delivery plan for the current cycle, which must be agreed upon by January 31, 2026.
