As the October 24 deadline looms, Mexico has pledged an immediate water delivery to Texas farmers to address its 1.3 million acre-feet “water debt” under the 1944 water treaty, following some heavy pressure from President Donald Trump.
The commitment comes after Trump’s recent tariffs and sanctions to enforce Mexico’s obligations. Drought conditions continue to strain water supplies on both sides of the border, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
The treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the Rio Grande over five years, but as of April, only roughly 480,000 acre-feet have been delivered since October 2020, according to the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission.
The shortfall has hit the Texas agriculture industry hard, with farmers and ranchers facing severe water shortages.
On Friday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller praised Trump’s “no-nonsense leadership” in securing Mexico’s latest commitment.
“Mexico has failed to uphold its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty for far too long, leaving Texas farmers and ranchers high and dry — literally,” Miller said. “This matter goes beyond just water; it is about fairness, accountability, and the support necessary for those who nourish and clothe our country. While the Biden Administration ignored this issue, President Trump took urgent and decisive action.”
During a cabinet meeting last week, Trump intensified pressure on Mexico, warning of escalating “consequences.”
“Mexico OWES Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty, but Mexico is unfortunately violating their Treaty obligation,” Trump posted to his Truth platform.
“THAT ENDS NOW! I will make sure Mexico doesn’t violate our Treaties, and doesn’t hurt our Texas Farmers. Just last month, I halted water shipments to Tijuana until Mexico complies with the 1944 Water Treaty,” Trump added.
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico would immediately deliver water, though details on the amount of water coming into America remain murky.
Mexican officials continue to reference severe drought conditions as a key obstacle, with reservoirs like La Boquilla Dam in Chihuahua at 15% capacity and Las Virgenes Reservoir at 11.7%.
The 1944 treaty allows Mexico an additional five years to address shortfalls during drought conditions, but with negotiations ongoing and water levels in the Rio Grande basin dwindling, both countries face mounting pressure to find a water solution.
In 2020, a similar dispute ended with Mexico ceding water rights to the Falcon and Amistad reservoirs to the United States.