U.S. and Mexico reach updated water supply agreement

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and State announced a strengthened commitment under the 1944 Water Treaty that will improve cross-border water management and provide greater certainty for growers who depend on reliable water deliveries from the Rio Grande.  

Under the updated agreement, Mexico has pledged to deliver a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually to the U.S. as part of a five-year cycle. The agreement also includes a commitment for Mexico to fully repay its water debt from the previous cycle.  

In the press release, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of consistent and predictable water supplies for agricultural producers. 

Both countries have agreed to monthly meetings to ensure timely, regular deliveries to avoid future deficits reducing uncertainty for growers, ranchers and surrounding communities. Greater water supply stability will allow for more strategic irrigation planning and scheduling.