US EditionTexas’ congressional delegation wants Texas-Mexico water treaty to be part of trade negotiations
Texas lawmakers urge enforcement of a 1944 treaty requiring Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water every five years to South Texas farmers.
- On Friday the treaty deadline arrived, but Mexico failed to deliver required water, prompting Texas lawmakers to push treaty enforcement in upcoming U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement talks.
- The 1944 treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1,750,000 acre-feet every five years and allows rollover during `extraordinary drought`, with Mexican officials citing drought affecting both sides of the Rio Grande.
- In April Mexico agreed to deliver between 324,000 and 420,000 acre-feet by the end of October, yet had provided just 281,436 as of Oct. 11; IBWC could not update data due to the shutdown while TCEQ continues coordination.
- South Texas farmers have limited plantings and reduced sales, straining the Valley's agricultural ecosystem, while U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg, secured $280 million in grants fearing collapse after the last sugar mill closed in 2024.
- U.S. Sen. John Cornyn argues the treaty should be renegotiated for periodic releases, while Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it complied with the April agreement during USMCA review talks.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Lawmaker encourages water treaty inclusion in trade agreement
By Jessica Domel Multimedia Reporter A U.S. Congresswoman from Texas is urging the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to include the 1944 Water Treaty, and provisions that ensure its enforcement, in the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2026. The water treaty outlines water delivery obligations between the U.S. and Mexico. The U.S. is to deliver water from the Colorado River for use in Mexico while Mexico is expected t…
Texas Citrus Growers Report Ongoing Water Shortages as 1944 Treaty Cycle Concludes
MISSION, Texas — October 24, 2025, marks the end of the most recent five-year cycle for water deliveries from Mexico to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty. The conclusion of this cycle carries significant implications for agricultural producers in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), where irrigation water remains essential to sustaining local crops. Under the terms of the Treaty, Mexico is required to deliver an average of 350,000 acre-feet …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
