March 21, 2025: The United States denied Mexico’s demand for more water from the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers, accusing Mexico of not fulfilling its commitments to share the water under the 1944 treaty.
The 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico regulates the distribution of water from the Colorado and Rio Grande rivers. Mexico, under this treaty, is required to supply 350,000 acre-feet of water per year to the United States, amounting to 1.75 million acre-feet within a five-year period. The U.S. supplies Mexico with 1.5 million acre-feet of water per year from the Colorado River.
During the present cycle, which started in 2020 and concludes in October 2025, Mexico has only supplied around 425,000 acre-feet, roughly one-quarter of its commitment. This deficiency has had a serious effect on American agriculture, especially farmers in the Rio Grande Valley, who depend on regular water deliveries for crops like cotton and citrus.
Against the backdrop of the challenges, the U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, pledged $280 million worth of relief assistance to Rio Grande Valley farmers. Texas Senator Ted Cruz commended the State Department’s rejection of Mexico’s bid for water and declared, “Texas farmers are in crisis due to Mexico’s noncompliance.” He undertook to assist the Trump administration in exerting pressure on Mexico to abide by its treaty responsibilities.
The water conflict contributes to tensions already present between the U.S. and Mexico, especially regarding migration and border security. President Trump has been hardline on Latin American countries, sending troops to the border and threatening tariffs on Mexico, though these have been temporarily suspended.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum admitted the issue of water, saying that it was “being addressed” via the two nations’ boundary and water commission. She added that lower water availability caused by drought has contributed to the problem.
The city of Tijuana, which relies on the Colorado River for approximately 90% of its water, has been impacted by pollution from old infrastructure. The Colorado River, also a primary source of water for cities such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, has experienced water levels decreasing due to drought and intensive agricultural use in the southwestern United States.
In November 2024, the U.S. and Mexico agreed to resolve Mexico’s persistent delays in water shipments. The agreement gives Mexico instruments and leeway to ship water sooner in the five-year cycle, such as improved coordination on conservation, reuse, and alternative water supplies. This is intended to avoid disputes and guarantee timely water shipments.
The situation highlights the difficulty of managing common water resources in the face of climate change and increasing populations. Both countries have the challenge of balancing local needs and global commitments to achieve sustainable water management. Keep Reading Questiqa.com.
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