Mexico and US at Loggerheads Over Water Rights

The US and Mexico are at loggerheads over a treaty dating back to 1944 in which Mexico and the US agreed to a series of water-sharing actions over certain waterways, such as the Rio Grande. 

Among other requirements, the 1994 Water Treaty mandates that Mexico deliver a minimum annual 350,000 acres of water per year to the US over a five year period. 

The treaty further stipulates that any unmet obligations shall be paid in arrears, but that extreme drought can relieve Mexico of its obligations. 

Since 1992, Mexico has amassed a 1.5 million acre water deficit with the US.

US agricultural experts claim Mexico’s water deficit with the US causes significant damage to Texas and other southwest farmers. 

President Donald Trump recently took notice of the issue and ordered the US government to stop fulfilling the US’ water obligations towards Mexico until the latter pay its water debt. 

President Trump further warned Mexico he would impose tariff, sanctions, and other punitive actions until its water obligations are met. 

“Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation,” said Trump. “I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers.”

Trump continued, claiming he “will keep escalating consequences, including TARIFFS and, maybe even SANCTIONS, until Mexico honors the Treaty, and GIVES TEXAS THE WATER THEY ARE OWED!”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded shortly afterward and expressed a desire to cooperate with the US. 

“I have instructed the Secretaries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, to immediately contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State,” said President Sheinbaum. “I am confident that, as on other issues, an agreement will be reached.”

Sheinbaum argued Mexico has been undergoing a severe drought in recent years, impeding its fulfillment of water delivery obligations to the US.

Investigations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) claim Mexico has indeed undergone multi-year droughts and heat waves in recent years. 

Disagreement exists, however, over whether such droughts are inhibiting Mexico from delivering more water than they currently do.