Drought conditions in South Texas have put a strain on water resources, leading to increased pressure on Mexico to fulfill its obligations under a 1944 treaty with the United States. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the agency responsible for overseeing the treaty, has conducted an analysis that reveals a significant decrease in water flow from U.S. sources to the Rio Grande over the years.
According to the IBWC’s research, the inflow of water into the Amistad International Reservoir and Falcon International Reservoir has decreased compared to the 1980s. Between 2011 and 2020, the total U.S. inflow into the Amistad Reservoir was 33% less than in the decade between 1981 and 1990, resulting in a decrease of 4.6 million acre-feet. Similarly, Falcon Reservoir received 21.5% less water than it did in the 1980s.
IBWC Commissioner Maria Elena Giner emphasized the need for the region to diversify its water supply, as 90% of the area’s water currently comes from the Rio Grande. With the reservoir levels at historic lows – Amistad at 19% capacity and Falcon at 12% capacity – local water supply corporations are exploring alternative water sources to mitigate the impact of the drought.
State Rep. Janie Lopez, R-San Benito, highlighted the importance of finding innovative solutions to address the water scarcity issue in the Rio Grande Valley. The Texas Legislature recently established the Texas Water Fund, a $1 billion resource aimed at upgrading water systems and funding conservation projects to enhance water availability throughout the state.
While the IBWC’s analysis focused on the diminishing water flow from U.S. tributaries, the agency remains focused on ensuring Mexico’s compliance with the 1944 treaty. Mexico is currently behind on its water deliveries to the U.S. by approximately 900,000 acre-feet in the current five-year cycle, which ends in October 2025. Mexican officials have attributed the shortfall to their own drought conditions.
U.S. officials, including Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, have been advocating for Mexico to fulfill its obligations under the treaty. Talks are ongoing between the IBWC and Mexican officials regarding a proposed amendment to the treaty, known as a “minute,” which aims to establish work groups to develop new water sources and incentivize Mexico to release water from its reservoirs regularly.
In conclusion, the water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and cross-border cooperation. As the region grapples with dwindling water resources, it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges posed by drought and ensure the long-term viability of the water supply.