Mexico Agrees to Make More Predictable Water Deliveries to the US

Mexico and the United States have reached an agreement requiring Mexico to deliver a guaranteed minimum amount of water annually to the United States under their longstanding water treaty, a move aimed at easing diplomatic tensions and providing greater certainty for farmers and communities on both sides of the border.

By David Thompson – News Reporter

Last Updated: Feb. 2, 2026

New Agreement Changes Traditional Water Treaty Terms

Under a revised arrangement announced by Mexican and U.S. officials, Mexico has agreed to send at least 350,000 acre‑feet of water to the United States each year throughout the current five‑year cycle, creating a more predictable delivery schedule than the existing requirements of the 1944 Water Treaty. Previously, the treaty obligated Mexico to deliver a total of 1.75 million acre‑feet of water over five years without specifying annual minimums, leading to inconsistency that hurt agricultural planning, particularly for Texas farmers. This new framework is intended to help eliminate the buildup of water debts and ensure a steadier flow of water each year. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Diplomatic Pressures and Negotiations

The agreement follows months of negotiations between the two countries amid persistent drought conditions and diplomatic pressure from the United States. U.S. officials, including the Secretaries of State and Agriculture, welcomed the pact as an important step toward enhancing bilateral water management, while President Donald Trump had previously warned of potential tariffs on Mexican imports if water deliveries were not stabilized. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her cabinet engaged with U.S. counterparts to reach a joint understanding that balances international commitments with the country’s own needs. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Impacts on Border Communities and Agriculture

Consistent water deliveries are critical for communities and industries along the U.S.–Mexico border, especially in regions like the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where water scarcity has threatened crops and livelihoods. By guaranteeing annual minimum deliveries, the countries aim to reduce uncertainty for farmers planning seasonal planting and irrigation. At the same time, the issue has been politically sensitive in Mexico, where drought conditions and domestic agricultural demands complicate cross‑border commitments. Both governments have stressed the need to coordinate water management while safeguarding human consumption and agricultural needs on both sides of the border. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Treaty Background and Long‑Term Framework

The 1944 Water Treaty between Mexico and the United States governs the distribution of water from shared rivers, including the Rio Grande (Bravo) and others along the border. Under its original terms, water deliveries are measured over five‑year cycles but do not mandate consistent yearly flows, which has often resulted in unpredictable timing for Mexico’s transfers to the United States. The new agreement effectively supplements the treaty’s framework by introducing annual minimum commitments, a change welcomed by U.S. officials as a way to enhance reliability in water distribution. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Looking Ahead: Implementation and Monitoring

Officials from both countries have indicated that monthly bilateral meetings and consultations will help monitor and implement the new delivery structure, ensuring that obligations are met and that any emerging challenges are addressed promptly. While the formalized annual minimum sets a clearer expectation, climate variability, hydrological conditions and infrastructure constraints remain factors that both governments must manage collaboratively. The effort reflects broader cooperation on transboundary water issues amid changing environmental conditions and geopolitical interests. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}