US pressures Mexico for violating the 1944 Water Treaty
8 days ago
- #Agriculture
- #US-Mexico Relations
- #Water Treaty
- The U.S. State Department, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and South Texas farmers are pressuring Mexico to fulfill its water debt under the 1944 Water Treaty.
- Mexico has delivered less than half of its required water quota (1.75 million acre-feet from the Rio Grande) in the 2020-2025 cycle.
- The 1944 treaty mandates water exchange between the U.S. (Colorado River) and Mexico (Rio Grande), but compliance has been inconsistent since the 1990s.
- Internal challenges in Mexico—overexploitation of aquifers, urban growth, and reduced rainfall—hinder its ability to meet treaty obligations.
- Experts highlight Mexico's mismanagement of water resources, lack of continuity in agreements, and structural issues at Conagua.
- Mexican farmers protested proposed water law reforms, leading to negotiations with the government over agricultural concessions.
- U.S. officials, including former President Trump, have threatened sanctions or tariffs if Mexico fails to comply with the treaty.
- President Sheinbaum pledged to fulfill Mexico's water commitments without jeopardizing domestic consumption or agriculture.
- The U.S. remains open to diplomatic solutions but is evaluating all options to ensure Mexico meets its obligations.