The U.S. Supreme Court has given final approval to a multi-state and federal settlement aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over the distribution of Rio Grande water between Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
The agreement follows years of litigation after Texas sued New Mexico and Colorado in 2013, alleging that water was being unfairly siphoned from the Rio Grande before reaching Texas. Much of the dispute centered on the section of the river between Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico and the Texas state line.
Earlier this year, a Special Master appointed by the Supreme Court submitted a report recommending that the Court approve the final decree negotiated by the three states and the federal government. The Supreme Court has now officially approved that agreement.
Under the Rio Grande Compact, New Mexico and Colorado are required to meet specific delivery obligations to ensure water reaches downstream users in Texas. The newly approved settlement seeks to strengthen enforcement of those obligations and establish additional safeguards for water distribution.
A major component of the agreement requires New Mexico to better regulate groundwater pumping that directly impacts flows from the Rio Grande. Supporters of the settlement argue that these measures will help ensure Texas receives its proper allocation of water under the compact.
"The approval of this agreement is a historic win for the people of Texas, our economy, and our State's water rights," said Attorney General Ken Paxton (R). "My office has worked diligently for years to secure this settlement, and I am grateful that the Supreme Court has approved it."
The settlement marks the conclusion of more than a decade of legal disputes over water access and management in one of the Southwest's most critical river systems.
"This agreement helps Texas farmers and families receive the water they depend on every single day from the Rio Grande," concluded AG Paxton.
