Historic Water Pact Eases U.S.-Mexico Drought Tensions

The United States and Mexico have reached an agreement under the 1944 water treaty to ensure more regular flow of water across the border. This agreement aims to deliver water earlier and improve reliability amidst severe drought-driven shortages, benefiting agricultural irrigation and water quality for both nations.

An agreement securing more consistent water deliveries from Mexico to the United States has been successfully negotiated, according to statements from both governments on Saturday. The deal addresses longstanding tension over the 1944 U.S.-Mexico water treaty.

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), overseeing the agreement, stated the measure enables Mexico to deliver water earlier across the five-year cycle. This is critical as Mexico has struggled to meet its treaty obligations of sending 1.75 million acre-feet of water due to severe drought conditions.

The new arrangement, recognizing 18 months of negotiation, aims to enhance predictability of water allocations, improve water quality, establish new working groups, and develop water conservation measures benefitting users in both countries, according to statements by Mexican authorities and the IBWC.

(With inputs from agencies.)