Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have called for immediate action from Mexico to address its failure to meet water delivery requirements under the 1944 Water Treaty between the United States and Mexico.

“Mexico must be held accountable for their continued breaches of our long-standing water agreement," said Governor Abbott. "Because of their pattern of neglect, Texas farmers are enduring preventable hardship and an erosion of the agricultural viability of the Rio Grande Valley. The significant economic loss from Mexico's failure to supply more than two years' worth of water obligations—almost 2 million acre-feet—has had a severe negative impact on Texas' agricultural industry. The breach of the 1944 Water Treaty violates foundational elements of international law and diplomacy and must be corrected immediately."

TCEQ Commissioner Tonya Miller also commented on the ongoing situation: “Economic losses from delayed water deliveries cannot be recovered. Texas communities across the lower Rio Grande Valley will continue to suffer unless Mexico starts meeting their treaty obligations.”

The most recent five-year cycle under the treaty ended on October 24, 2025, with Mexico falling short of its minimum required delivery, which totals 1.75 million acre-feet over five years. According to preliminary data, there is a remaining deficit of over 800,000 acre-feet—equivalent to about two and a half years’ worth of required deliveries. These numbers are still subject to final confirmation by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).

The United States has consistently met its own water delivery commitments on the Colorado River as outlined in the treaty, while Mexico has not fulfilled its responsibilities regarding deliveries into the Rio Grande.

A study conducted by Texas A&M University found that economic losses in the Rio Grande Valley reached $994 million in 2023 alone due to these shortages.

In response to low reservoir levels last year at Falcon and Amistad reservoirs, Texas was forced to accept water from non-designated sources provided by Mexico downstream from these reservoirs. This arrangement prevented Texas from storing surplus water for future use.

Earlier this month, Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz introduced legislation titled the Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025. The bill aims to hold Mexico accountable for failing to provide agreed-upon water resources for South Texas under the terms of the treaty. It would also restrict certain types of engagement with Mexico until it fulfills its obligations.

Texas plans continued collaboration with federal agencies including IBWC and U.S. Department of Agriculture in order to secure necessary water supplies for affected regions.