CNN Climate - A water war is looming between Mexico and the US. Neither side will win
“The water delivery system has stayed the same, but the water crisis has worsened.”
The Rio Grande forms the US-Mexico border at Big Bend Ranch State Park, on March 14 near Presidio, Texas. John Moore/Getty Images
Recent tensions highlighted by CNN News reveal a growing tension between the United States and Mexico over shared water resources. Under a long-standing treaty, both countries share waters from the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. However, severe droughts and high temperatures have hindered Mexico's ability to meet its water delivery obligations, causing distress for farmers in South Texas who depend on this supply.
The 1944 treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the US from the Rio Grande every five years. In return, the US sends 1.5 million acre-feet of water to Mexico annually from the Colorado River. As drought conditions persist, Mexico has struggled to fulfill its commitments, sparking calls from Texas leaders for the Biden administration to withhold aid from Mexico until the shortfall is addressed.
The drought crisis has also severely impacted northern Mexico, with farmers and communities suffering from dwindling water supplies. The Rio Grande, a crucial water source for both nations, faces declining flows due to over-extraction, climate change, and reduced snowpack. This has resulted in historically low water levels in key reservoirs such as Falcon and Amistad.
Efforts to amend the water-sharing agreement have stalled, complicating the situation further. As both countries brace for another hot summer, the reliance on unpredictable storm patterns to replenish water levels underscores the need for a more sustainable long-term solution.
Addressing these water challenges is critical for both nations. This is why the Canada1Water project (C1W)is essential, as it offers valuable insights and tools for managing water resources effectively, highlighting the importance of adapting water-sharing agreements to the realities of a changing climate.
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“We’ve asked Mexico for a plan on how they’re going to meet their deficit right now”
Farmers clash with the Mexican National Guard during a protest against the decision to divert water from La Boquilla dam to the US, in Camargo, Chihuahua state, Mexico, September 8, 2020. Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters