Background on the Water Crisis

On March 10, Texas senators passed a resolution urging the U.S. State Department to enforce Mexico’s water delivery obligations under a 1944 treaty. This action comes in response to significant water shortages in Texas, particularly affecting agricultural communities in the Rio Grande Valley.

Details of the Resolution

The resolution was endorsed by the Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee after testimonies highlighted the adverse impacts of Mexico’s failure to deliver water. Local farmers reported severe difficulties due to the ongoing water shortages, with state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa stating, “It’s really causing a lot of severe issues not only for the Valley but along the river from El Paso down to Brownsville.”

Impact on Agriculture and Local Economy

According to the 1944 treaty, Mexico is to deliver 1.75 million-acre feet of water within a five-year cycle, with the current cycle concluding in October. Unfortunately, Mexico currently owes over one million-acre feet. Local economic assessments reveal that the lack of irrigation water results in an estimated loss of $993 million annually for South Texas.

Brian Jones, a farmer in the Valley, expressed his frustrations, stating he has been in “survival mode,” only able to plant half of his crop for three consecutive years. He noted, “What is crystal clear is that Mexico has no intention of sharing any amount of water they can capture for their own use.”

Federal and Local Responses

State lawmakers hope the federal government, under the current administration, will adopt a more assertive approach toward Mexico regarding the treaty’s enforcement. Sen. Charles Perry emphasized the need to connect the water treaty discussions with broader negotiations on tariffs to leverage compliance.

Moreover, local water officials warn that the water scarcity may soon threaten drinking supplies in cities like Brownsville and McAllen. The potential closure of local industries, such as the sugar mill in Texas, underscores the urgent need for intervention.

Challenges Ahead

While local farmers previously depended on tropical storms to replenish water reserves, recent weather patterns have hampered this reliance, leading to dire predictions about future compliance with treaty obligations. Jones remarked that meeting the treaty commitments this cycle appears “almost mathematically impossible.”

As Texas seeks additional water sources, David Dunmoyer from the Texas Public Policy Foundation advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes desalination projects and upgraded water infrastructure.