Background and Relevance
The Marte R. Gómez dam, located in El Azúcar, Tamaulipas, Mexico, is situated near the US border in the Rio Bravo hydrological region. This reservoir supplies water to irrigate 73,451 hectares of the Distrito de Riego 026 Río San Juan. The dam’s current capacity stands at 95%, but a recent surge in water extraction has raised concerns.
Who is Marco Garza Acosta?
Marco Garza Acosta is the leader of Distrito de Riego 026, a region in northern Tamaulipas. He recently participated in a meeting with Luis Carlos Alatorre, the director of Organismo Cuenca del Río Bravo from Conagua (National Water Commission), where the topic of resolving Mexico’s water debt to the United States arose.
Water Extraction Details
From April 17 to 19, the water extraction rate from Marte R. Gómez dam increased progressively:
- April 17: 10,000 m³/s
- April 18: 22,000 m³/s
- April 19 & 20: 34,000 m³/s
El Cuchillo Dam Context
El Cuchillo dam, situated in Nuevo León, is the largest tributary in the region. In June of the previous year, it was filled to capacity, and its gates were opened to prevent structural damage. Currently, El Cuchillo holds 1,036.68 million cubic meters of water out of its maximum of 1,123.14 million cubic meters.
Water Allocation Between Mexico and the United States
The 1944 International Waters Treaty between Mexico and the United States sets the legal framework for equitable water distribution, especially concerning the Bravo and Colorado rivers. Water deliveries occur every five years, with extraordinary drought periods requiring compensation in subsequent cycles or through filling international reservoirs with their own water sources.
Current Water Situation
Recently, water has been extracted from La Amistad Dam in Coahuila, which should maintain a maximum water level of 1,769.66 million cubic meters. However, as of April 20, it holds only 14% of its capacity with 241.62 million cubic meters stored.
Agricultural Dam Status
According to the Group Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA), agricultural dams are, on average, at 37.7% capacity. Sinaloa faces a critical situation with only 7.9% storage.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current water extraction rate at Marte R. Gómez dam? The extraction rate has increased to 34,000 m³/s.
- Who is Marco Garza Acosta, and what is his role? Marco Garza Acosta is the leader of Distrito de Riego 026 in northern Tamaulipas, representing irrigation interests in the region.
- What is the purpose of the 1944 International Waters Treaty? The treaty establishes a legal framework for equitable water distribution between Mexico and the United States, focusing on the Bravo and Colorado rivers.
- What is the current water situation in Mexico’s agricultural dams? Agricultural dams are, on average, at 37.7% capacity.
- What is the status of La Amistad Dam in Coahuila? As of April 20, La Amistad Dam holds only 14% of its capacity with 241.62 million cubic meters stored.
