Supports diplomatic efforts to ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to deliver water annually to the United States, addressing water shortages faced by South Texas farmers.
Mónica De La Cruz
Representative
TX-15
This bill expresses support for diplomatic efforts to ensure Mexico adheres to the 1944 treaty by delivering the agreed-upon water to the United States annually. It highlights the water shortages faced by South Texas farmers due to Mexico's non-compliance. The bill aims to foster new agreements that guarantee the U.S. receives a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water each year, as stipulated in the treaty.
Resolution Backs Diplomacy to Secure Mexico's Annual 350,000 Acre-Feet Water Delivery Under 1944 Treaty
This resolution throws official support behind diplomatic efforts aimed at getting Mexico to consistently deliver water owed to the United States under a long-standing treaty. Specifically, it focuses on the 1944 agreement covering the Colorado River, Tijuana River, and the Rio Grande, which requires Mexico to provide an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle. The main goal here is to encourage Mexico to meet these obligations reliably each year, especially given the water shortages hitting farmers in South Texas.
Down by the River: The Core Issue
So, what's the backstory? A treaty signed way back in 1944 lays out how the US and Mexico share water from major rivers. Part of that deal involves Mexico sending water northward, primarily from Rio Grande tributaries. The amount averages out to 350,000 acre-feet per year over a five-year period. An "acre-foot" is a way water managers measure large volumes – think enough water to cover an acre of land one foot deep, or about 326,000 gallons. The problem highlighted here is that relying on a five-year average can lead to inconsistent water flow year-to-year, causing real headaches for South Texas agricultural producers who depend on that water, especially during dry spells.
Talking Points and Treaty Tweaks
This resolution isn't creating a new law or imposing penalties; it's essentially a formal statement of encouragement from the U.S. side. It does two main things: First, it gives a thumbs-up to ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at ensuring Mexico fulfills its existing water delivery commitments. Second, it nudges both countries towards potentially creating new agreements. The specific goal mentioned for these potential new deals is to guarantee that the U.S. receives at least that 350,000 acre-feet minimum every single year, rather than just hitting the average over a five-year span. This shift aims to provide more predictable water supplies for users north of the border.
Who Gets the Water?
The direct beneficiaries envisioned by this resolution are clear: farmers and communities in South Texas who rely on water allocations from the Rio Grande. More consistent annual deliveries would help stabilize their water supply for irrigation and other needs. While the resolution focuses on diplomatic solutions and encouraging compliance, the underlying issue involves balancing water needs on both sides of the border. Ensuring the treaty commitments are met annually could potentially increase pressure on water management within Mexico, affecting their own agricultural and municipal users, though the resolution itself sticks to supporting diplomacy rather than dictating outcomes.