Local officials and farmers from South Texas have approached lawmakers at the Capitol to address concerns regarding Mexico's adherence to an 80-year-old water treaty. This treaty, signed in 1944, mandates Mexico to release 431,725 hectare-meters of water annually to the United States in five-year cycles. The current cycle concludes in October 2025, with Mexico reportedly behind by 1.21 million hectare-meters.
Brian Jones, a fourth-generation farmer from Hidalgo County and a state director for the Texas Farm Bureau, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). "We're in dire straits right now," Jones stated, noting that he and others have been forced to reduce their planting activities due to insufficient water. "We just don't have enough water to take care of what we normally farm," he added.
The water shortage has broader economic repercussions. The reduced crop production in the RGV is expected to lead to fewer Texas products in local stores, replaced by imports from other states or countries. The last operating sugar mill in Texas, employing about 600 people, had to close due to water scarcity.
Moreover, a report from Texas A&M AgriLife estimated a $495.8 million direct revenue loss in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for 2024 due to the lack of irrigation water. Local officials also caution that the water dispute could evolve into a public health crisis, affecting drinking water supplies for cities like Brownsville, McAllen, and Harlingen.
During a testimony session, Texas Senators discussed the issue. State Senator Nathan Johnson noted that only 30% of the RGV's water comes from Mexico and highlighted regional drought conditions. He emphasized the need for internal solutions, stating, "We still need water from Texas to Texas." State Senator Charles Perry acknowledged the drought's role but pointed out that Mexico's water delivery issues predate the drought.
At the federal level, efforts are ongoing to ensure Mexico complies with the treaty. During a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Sen. John Cornyn sought a commitment from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to leverage diplomatic pressure on Mexico. Rubio affirmed the importance of the issue, stating, "Absolutely… It has real implications not just for the state of Texas, but broadly for the United States."
Cornyn also advocated for withholding funds from Mexico until an agreement is reached to address the water delivery deficit.
Source: kxan