The United States and Mexico have agreed on significant steps to meet the requirements of the 1944 Water Treaty, a landmark agreement between the two nations aimed at ensuring the reliable delivery of water from Mexico's Rio Grande tributaries to Texas farmers.
Through direct engagement between senior officials from both countries, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, as well as personal involvement from Mexican President Sheinbaum, a unified path has been established to address the ongoing priority of water delivery under the treaty. The agreement marks a historic demonstration of leadership by President Trump in prioritizing American farmers' needs.
Key components of the agreement include Mexico's commitment to make an immediate transfer of water from international reservoirs and increase the U.S. share of the flow in six of Mexico's Rio Grande tributaries through the end of the current five-year water cycle. These measures will help alleviate shortfalls in deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty, providing much-needed water for American farmers, ranchers, and municipalities in Texas' Rio Grande Valley.
To ensure long-term reliability and address outstanding water debts, the United States and Mexico have committed to developing a comprehensive plan that includes additional monthly transfers and regular consultations on water deliveries. This collaborative effort will prioritize the needs of Texas users while promoting water conservation measures across both countries.
The U.S. Department of State acknowledges President Sheinbaum's personal involvement in facilitating cooperation between the two governments, and looks forward to continuing its partnership with Mexico to address water scarcity affecting communities on both sides of the border. By working together, the United States and Mexico can ensure that their shared commitment to the 1944 Water Treaty is upheld, benefiting the people and economies of both nations.