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Mexico reaches agreement with the United States to meet water treaty obligations
The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement to settle outstanding water obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, a critical accord governing the allocation of river water between the two nations. The understanding covers both the current cycle and the previous cycle’s deficit, ensuring water delivery to American farmers, particularly in Texas, who have been experiencing shortages.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Mexico has agreed to release 202,000 acre-feet of water to the United States, with deliveries set to begin the week of December 15, 2025. Both sides are now negotiating a formal plan, expected to be finalized by January 2026, aimed at maintaining balance in future water flows.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins praised the deal, noting that President Donald Trump’s intervention had finally pressed Mexico to fulfill its long-standing commitments. Rollins emphasized that farmers in South Texas, affected by years of limited water access, would now regain confidence in their water supply. She also warned that the United States would impose a 5% tariff on Mexican goods if future treaty violations occur.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau credited the agreement to direct negotiations led by the White House and close coordination between the Departments of State and Agriculture. He highlighted that the resolution restores equity for Texas farmers who have faced years of water shortages due to Mexican underdeliveries.
Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico must deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water every five years from the Rio Grande to the United States, while the U.S. provides Mexico with 1.5 million acre-feet from the Colorado River. However, recent years have seen Mexico fall behind on its commitments, causing serious challenges for Rio Grande Valley producers, who rely heavily on this water for irrigation.
Both governments reaffirmed the importance of cooperative water management under the bilateral treaty and through the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). The joint communiqué underscored mutual respect for sovereignty and international obligations while encouraging early and transparent communication to prevent future deficits.
As Mexico resumes deliveries, the USDA has pledged continued support for Congress, local agencies, and producers in managing Texas’s upcoming crop season. This initiative aims to provide predictability and security to an agriculture sector frequently exposed to climate variability and transboundary water uncertainties.
