Context of the Binational Water Treaty
The Binational Water Treaty of 1994 establishes the obligations of Mexico and the United States regarding the distribution of shared water resources, particularly in the Rio Grande basin. This agreement, in effect in five-year cycles, requires Mexico to annually deliver a specific volume of water to its northern neighbor. However, compliance with these quotas has generated recurrent diplomatic tensions, especially in periods of extreme drought.
Progress and challenges in the current cycle
With 104 days left until the current deadline expires (cycle 36, started in October 2020), Mexico has significantly increased its deliveries, reaching 840 million cubic meters as of July 8. However, this figure represents only 38.9% of the 2,158 million committed. The recent rainfall, associated with tropical cyclones and the “Mexican monsoon”, allowed the fifth highest monthly delivery of the cycle (49 million m³ in 8 days), more than doubling the volume of June.
Despite this, the persistent drought in the Bravo basin complicates the scenario: as of June 30, 45% of the region registered a rainfall deficit, while 24.8% suffered from extreme or exceptional drought. The 11 key dams for compliance with the treaty maintain only 27.2% storage on average, with critical cases such as La Boquilla (Chihuahua), which operates at 18% of its capacity.
Geopolitical implications and recent agreements
The partial non-compliance with the treaty has escalated into diplomatic controversies. In April 2024, then-US President Donald Trump threatened to impose trade tariffs, accusing Mexico of “stealing water from Texas.” In response, both countries signed an agreement to transfer water from the La Amistad (Coahuila) and Falcón (Tamaulipas) international dams, in addition to intensifying extractions from the six tributaries of the Bravo. These measures allowed April to close with 93.2 million m³ delivered.
Distribution by sources and future perspectives
Until May 2024, 55% of the water sent to the US came from the Conchos River, followed by the San Diego (14%) and the Salado (10%). Experts warn that, although recent rains provide respite, the overexploitation of aquifers and climate variability require a structural review of the treaty. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) monitors progress, but highlights the need for binational strategies for sustainable management.
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