In a move welcomed by Texans, Mexico has committed to taking significant actions to alleviate the shortfall in its Rio Grande water deliveries to the United States.
The commitment came at the conclusion of high-level discussions held this month, focusing on Mexico’s obligations under the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty, according to the State Department.
With the current five-year water cycle set to end on October 24, Mexico has proposed a multi-pronged approach to increase water deliveries. This proposal, accepted by the United States, aims to diversify water supplies, a key request from water users in Texas who rely on the Rio Grande.
READ: Trump Swings Back At ABC News Reporter Grilling Him On Tariffs
Mexico’s commitment includes:
- Immediate and Monthly Transfers: An immediate transfer of water will occur at Amistad Dam, followed by regular monthly transfers from both Amistad and Falcon International Reservoirs.
- Increased Tributary Flows: The U.S. will receive a larger share of the water flowing in six of Mexico’s designated Rio Grande tributaries, as outlined in the 1944 treaty.
- San Juan River Deliveries: Additional water from the San Juan River will be delivered, contingent on U.S. acceptance based on its capacity for beneficial use.
These new commitments are in addition to the 110,000 acre-feet of water Mexico has already delivered in the current water year, which began on October 25, 2024.
Both the U.S> and Mexico have agreed to a follow-up meeting in July to assess hydrological conditions and evaluate the progress of the agreed-upon actions. Furthermore, ongoing meetings are planned to develop a comprehensive strategy for Mexico to address the existing shortfall from the current five-year cycle and to ensure consistent and dependable deliveries in the next cycle, beginning in October.
This agreement marks a significant step in addressing the concerns of Texans who have faced challenges due to reduced water allocations.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
