U.S. House Passes Measure to Push Mexico on Water Deliveries

A bipartisan resolution that targets the critical water scarcity issues in South Texas passed the U.S. House of Representatives late last year.

HR 683, introduced by U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz of Texas, calls on Mexico to fulfill its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty with the U.S. The treaty governs the allocation of water from the Colorado, Tijuana and Rio Grande rivers.

Mexico is required to provide the U.S. with an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water per year over a five-year cycle. But Mexico has repeatedly delayed fulfilling the agreement until the end of the five years.

“The ongoing water delivery issues severely affect our farmers, risking significant yield reductions, and pose a threat to our national food security. This situation also leads to higher costs for American families and increased reliance on imported produce,” De La Cruz said. “Moreover, the lack of water is causing harsh restrictions in our communities, impacting both families and businesses. It is vital that the Mexican government adheres to its treaty obligations. Our families, farmers and ranchers shouldn’t bear the consequences of Mexico’s non-compliance.”

Texas Farm Bureau supports the measure and passed organizational policy in December specific to the 1944 Water Treaty.

“This policy supports the U.S. to call on Mexico to fulfill its obligations under the 1944 treaty. The drought conditions and water scarcity in South Texas are causing major challenges for farmers and ranchers,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “The lack of consistent water deliveries is impacting agriculture, and Mexico should be held accountable to fulfill its water contributions in a timely manner.”

Longstanding issues with Mexico meeting water debt obligations have left Texas farmers and ranchers along the Rio Grande River Basin high and dry, concerned for their operations’ future viability.

The ongoing drought conditions have elevated the issue.

“This is a national legislative priority issue for Texas Farm Bureau,” Boening said. “Water is needed for agriculture and our communities in South Texas. Mexico needs to be held accountable for fulfilling annual deliveries of 350,000 acre-feet of water under the treaty.”

The resolution recognizes that South Texas farmers are experiencing water shortages and supports diplomacy to encourage Mexico to fulfill the commitments in a consistent and timely manner. It also supports negotiations that will guarantee more predictable and reliable water deliveries to the U.S.

The measure now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.