US, Mexico Agree on Rio Grande Water Amid Drought, Shortages

Nov 9, 2024, 08:48 PM

Mexico and the United States have reached an agreement, known as Minute 331, to manage water deliveries from the Rio Grande amid drought and shortages. This agreement aims to address Mexico's history of falling behind on water-sharing payments in the Rio Bravo watershed, also known as the Rio Grande. The treaty specifies which tributaries Mexico can use to deliver water, which is then stored by the U.S. in its South Texas reservoirs, Amistad and Falcon. The U.S. Government has welcomed this step as it facilitates more regular Mexican water deliveries. The agreement was signed in Ciudad Juárez by authorities from both countries, highlighting the urgency due to the unacceptable status quo. However, at least one South Texas leader has balked at Mexico's unique offer to repay a portion of the water it owes the United States.