This demand comes in response to Mexico's failure to deliver the agreed-upon water supply to the United States, as per the terms of a treaty signed in 1944.
Representative Monica De La Cruz voiced her concerns in the House on Wednesday, urging Secretary of State Antony Blinken to take stronger measures to ensure Mexico's compliance with the treaty. "We need to use every tool that we have available to force Mexico to abide by the treaty. We want our water. We demand our water," De La Cruz stated emphatically.
The treaty in question, formally known as the "Treaty on the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande," obligates Mexico to provide the U.S. with an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually over a five-year cycle. However, data released by the International Boundary and Water Commission in March revealed that Mexico has only supplied 382,000 acre-feet of water in the current cycle, which concludes in October 2025.
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In her address, De La Cruz emphasized the dire consequences of this water shortage on the farming community. "If we cannot save our farmers, then Mexico does not deserve to have any money appropriated to them," she declared.
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The U.S. Drought Monitor has reported "extreme" and "severe" drought conditions in parts of southern Texas, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. In response to the escalating crisis, Texas House Representative Terry Canales appealed to Governor Greg Abbott in March, urging him to declare a "state of disaster."
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"The situation has reached a point of crisis, and I believe a declaration of emergency is essential to mobilize the necessary resources and support for our community," Canales stated. He further highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that "Lower Rio Grande Valley farmers are running out of vital irrigation water," and that Mexico's delay in fulfilling its treaty obligations was exacerbating the water shortage.
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In a recent move, the Laredo City Council decided to enforce mandatory drought restrictions if water levels at the Amistad Reservoir drop below 25 percent capacity, or 453,352 acre-feet, as reported by Border Report. The water shortage has already had significant economic impacts, with a sugar mill in Santa Rosa closing in February, leading to the loss of 500 jobs.
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On May 10, a bipartisan group of Texan congressional members, including De La Cruz, penned a letter to House and Senate leaders. They urged the leaders to withhold payments from Mexico in the 2025 fiscal year appropriations bill unless the country increases its water delivery.
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The group, which included Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, stated: "Withholding funds will send a clear message to Mexico that the United States is serious about upholding the terms of our agreement and ensuring that our citizens and industries have access to the water resources they need. This measure will incentivize Mexico to take meaningful action to meet its obligations and resolve the ongoing water dispute."
