US-Mexico water deal: Mexico agrees to deliver 202,000 acre-feet to Texas farmers

The United States and Mexico reached an understanding to meet the current water obligations of American farmers and ranchers and for Mexico to repay the water deficit in Texas as part of the 1944 Water Treaty. 

This agreement extends to the current cycle and the previous cycle’s water deficit.

“Farmers across South Texas have been reeling from the uncertainty caused by the lack of water,” said US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “I thank Mexico for their willingness to abide by the treaty and return to good standing with their past obligations.”

Under the water deal, Mexico agreed to release 202,000-acre feet of water to the United States, with deliveries expected to begin this week. The Aztec country acknowledges the timely repayment of the outstanding deficit from the previous water cycle, and both nations will negotiate to finalize a plan by the end of January 2026.

A water deal for Texas

Rollins said Mexico has delivered more water in the last year than in the previous four years combined, but explained this is only one step in the right direction. 

The secretary added that if Mexico continues violating its commitments as stated in the water deal, the White House reserves the right to impose 5% tariffs on the country's products.

As Mexico ramps up its water deliveries, the USDA stands ready to work with Congress, interagency partners, and farmers to provide Texas producers with an ensured water supply as they plan for the upcoming crop season. 

The agency will also strive to provide better predictability for producers as they navigate challenges and make decisions during periods of water variability. 

Under the 1944 Water Treaty, Mexico delivers 1.75 million acre-feet over five years from the Rio Grande River. The United States, in turn, delivers 1.5 million acre-feet of water to Mexico from the Colorado River. 

However, Mexico’s persistent delivery shortfalls have led to severe water shortages for Rio Grande Valley farmers and ranchers, says the USDA, devastating crops, costing jobs, and threatening the local economy.

As part of the water deal, in the event of noncompliance, each country can act sovereignly, in accordance with its national interests, subject to its international treaty obligations.

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