Mexico Delivers 350,000 Acre-Feet of Water to U.S., Ted Cruz Says More Is Owed

Mexico delivered at least 350,000 acre-feet of water to the United States in 2026, meeting its annual delivery requirement under the 1944 Water Treaty, according to an announcement cited by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R).

Sen. Cruz said Mexico still owes the United States more than 860,000 acre-feet from previous shortfalls.

The treaty requires Mexico to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet annually over a five-year cycle, totalling 1.75 million acre-feet. The deliveries supply water to South Texas farmers and communities that rely on the Rio Grande.

"Mexico failed to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty for years under Joe Biden, wrongly denying Texas farmers and communities reliable and sufficient water," said Cruz. "I have worked hand-in-hand with President Trump, Secretary Rollins, Secretary Rubio, and other Trump administration officials to remedy these shortfalls, and I am proud to have authored and passed into law language holding Mexico accountable."

Cruz helped secure a $280 million block grant with U.S. agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to support Rio Grande Valley agricultural producers affected by Mexico's water-delivery shortfalls. He also championed a provision providing assistance to affected South Texas farmers and filed an amendment intended to establish a framework for enforcing Mexico's obligations.

In November 2025, Cruz introduced the Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025, legislation intended to strengthen enforcement of the treaty.

Cruz also secured language in the fiscal year 2026 consolidated appropriations package requiring the secretary of State to certify whether Mexico is meeting its water-delivery requirements. Under the provision, certain funds made available under the law may be withheld if the Secretary determines Mexico is not complying.

Although the 2026 delivery met the annual requirement cited by Cruz, the outstanding balance remains a concern for Texas agricultural interests. Cruz said Mexico still owes more than 860,000 acre-feet, and pledged to continue working with the Trump administration to secure additional deliveries.