The United States has rejected a request from Mexico for water deliveries, citing shortfalls in Mexico’s own compliance under a long-standing water-sharing agreement. This marks the first time the US has denied such a request, with the State Department saying Mexico’s failure to meet its obligations is severely impacting American farmers, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. The 1944 water treaty, which regulates water distribution from the Rio Grande and Colorado rivers, has become increasingly strained due to drought and rising demand in both nations. The current cycle of the treaty is set to end in October 2025.
++ Sad coincidence: giraffe and his favorite caretaker pass away on the same day
US farmers have expressed frustration, accusing Mexico of delaying its water deliveries until the end of each cycle, with shortfalls during the latest period. Meanwhile, the US has continued to provide its share of water regularly. Tensions have grown as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the challenges, stating that the issue is being addressed through diplomatic channels. She noted that reduced water availability has exacerbated the problem, but no resolution has yet been reached.
The city of Tijuana, which relies on the Colorado River for 90% of its water, has faced additional challenges due to ageing infrastructure, further complicating the situation. In southern Texas, farmers fear for the future of crops like cotton and citrus, which are heavily dependent on regular water deliveries. The US has responded by providing $280 million in relief funds to Rio Grande Valley farmers, with officials pushing for Mexico to meet its treaty obligations.
++ Brain implant that promises to cure depression and disorders begins testing in the UK
The water dispute comes amid a broader shift in US-Mexico relations, with former President Donald Trump taking a firm stance on Latin American issues, particularly immigration. Trump’s administration has also applied pressure on Mexico over water, with Senator Ted Cruz praising the recent decision to withhold water deliveries. As both sides grapple with the impacts of climate change and resource scarcity, the dispute underscores the growing pressures on cross-border cooperation.
