Greg Abbott Demands Mexico Comply with 1944 Water Treaty

Governor Greg Abbott (R) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are calling on Mexico to immediately correct its failure to meet water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, citing severe harm to Texas farmers and communities across the Rio Grande Valley.

"Mexico must be held accountable for its continued breaches of our long-standing water agreement," said Abbott. "Because of their pattern of neglect, Texas farmers are enduring preventable hardship and an erosion of the agricultural viability of the Rio Grande Valley."

TCEQ Commissioner Tonya Miller echoed the warning, saying, "Economic losses from delayed water deliveries cannot be recovered. Texas communities across the lower Rio Grande Valley will continue to suffer unless Mexico starts meeting its treaty obligations."

The latest five-year cycle ended October 24, 2025, with Mexico falling short of its required 1.75 million acre-feet minimum. Preliminary estimates show a remaining delivery deficiency of more than 800,000 acre-feet, equal to roughly two and a half years of expected deliveries.

While the U.S. has consistently met its obligations on the Colorado River, Mexico continues to significantly underdeliver water on the Rio Grande.

"The significant economic loss from Mexico's failure to supply more than two years' worth of water obligations -- almost 2 million acre-feet -- has had a severe negative impact on Texas' agricultural industry," said Abbott. "The breach of the 1944 water treaty violates foundational elements of international law and diplomacy and must be corrected immediately."

A Texas A&M study estimated $994 million in agricultural losses in 2023 alone due to water shortages. Compounding the issue, record-low levels at Falcon and Amistad reservoirs last year forced Texas to accept water from non-designated delivery points, making it impossible to store water not immediately needed.

Earlier this month, Senators John Cornyn (R) and Ted Cruz (R) introduced the Ensuring Predicable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025, aimed at holding Mexico accountable and restricting U.S. engagement with Mexico until treaty obligations are met.

Texas Leaders say they will continue working with the IBWC, USDA, and federal partners to protect regional water supplies and insist Mexico must act quickly to prevent further harm to South Texas Communities.