An amended 80-year-old water treaty between the United States and Mexico aims to address Texas’ water shortages, particularly benefiting South Texas farmers. The agreement expands Mexico’s options for fulfilling its water debt to the U.S., allowing deliveries from the San Juan and Alamo rivers and stored water from the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs. These additions are significant, offering immediate relief for agricultural areas like the Rio Grande Valley and the Winter Garden Region, where farmers face drastic reductions in crop production due to water scarcity.
Under the original 1944 treaty, Mexico must supply 1.75 million acre-feet of water every five years from six tributaries. However, Mexico still owes over 1.3 million acre-feet, due by October 2025. The treaty amendment provides flexibility, with hopes that even partial repayment will stabilize the region’s agriculture and water supply for upcoming planting seasons. The exact contribution from these new sources remains uncertain.