In a significant development for South Texas agriculture, the U.S. and Mexico have come to terms with an amendment to the 1944 water treaty, potentially easing the grind of drought for local farmers and ranchers. The revamped agreement, as announced by the International Water and Boundary Commission, could enhance Mexico's capability to fulfill its water delivery commitments to the U.S., with more than a million acre-feet of water still owed
According to a report by Texas Public Radio, as stipulated by the original treaty, Mexico is mandated to supply 1,750,000 acre-feet of water over five years from six tributaries. Currently, however, our southern neighbor is lagging with a substantial pending balance expected to be delivered by October 2025. Under the terms of the new amendment, this shortfall might be addressed by allowing Mexico to allocate excess water from their reservoirs and two additional rivers, the San Juan and Alamo, to the U.S.
The tentative agreement includes a clause for Mexico to advance water from its reserves at the Falcon and Amistad international reservoirs. In a statement obtained by the Texas Tribune, Sonny Hinojosa, a water advocate, highlighted the urgency of water transfers at these reservoirs, indicating the farmers’ need to secure water availability for the forthcoming planting season.
The amendment, which expires in five years, offers immediate relief and includes environmental measures like creating an environmental working group and launching a water quality initiative. However, concerns remain about Mexico’s commitment to delivering water from the six tributaries. Hinojosa, speaking to the Texas Tribune, worries that relying on downstream rivers could harm the Big Bend’s water supply.
