Mexico Agrees to Fulfill US Water Treaty Commitments

A study estimated that only 48 percent of the water directly consumed in the area as a result of human activities is replenished by renewable sources.

Beef ranchers survey their herd of cattle in Quemado, Texas, on June 13, 2023. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The United States and Mexico reached an understanding in which Mexico will meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty and provide water to American farmers and ranchers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said in a statement on Dec. 12.

“Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico is obligated to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet over five years to the United States from the Rio Grande River. The United States in turn delivers 1.5 million acre-feet of water to Mexico from the Colorado River,” the USDA said.