On January 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State announced a new agreement between the United States and Mexico to improve implementation of the 1944 Water Treaty. The goal is to provide more reliable water deliveries from the Rio Grande for farmers, ranchers, and producers in South Texas.
The announcement comes after a recent phone call between President Trump and Mexican President Sheinbaum, where both leaders expressed their commitment to address ongoing water management issues affecting communities on both sides of the border.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins stated, “Water is the lifeblood of the farmers and ranchers who power South Texas’s agricultural economy. This understanding between our countries is a direct result of President Trump’s determination to secure fair, practical deals that deliver for American agriculture, and we’re grateful to President Sheinbaum and the Government of Mexico for their partnership in this effort.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Under President Trump’s leadership and direction, the Department of State, Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission have worked to secure Mexico’s commitment to meet its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty, while also providing a plan to eliminate the deficit from the prior cycle, strengthening water security for Texas communities and U.S. agriculture. This is another example of how the Trump Administration continues to produce benefits for the American people on issues ranging from illegal immigration, countering cartels, and modernizing trade, as well as securing water for our farmers.”
According to details released by both departments, Mexico has agreed to deliver at least 350,000 acre-feet of water each year during this five-year cycle under terms set out in the treaty. The agreement also includes a detailed plan by Mexico to repay any outstanding water debt from previous cycles.
Both countries will hold monthly meetings aimed at ensuring timely deliveries and preventing future deficits. Federal agencies including USDA and State will continue working together as they move forward with implementing these commitments.
