A strong dispute has erupted between the United States and Mexico over water sharing. The issue is tied to a water treaty that was signed 81 years ago, in 1944.
Water Treaty Sparks Dispute Between U.S. and Mexico
This treaty was meant to ensure fair sharing of water from the Rio Grande River between the two countries. Under the agreement, Mexico is required to send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the United States every five years. One acre-foot of water is enough to fill about half of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
As of now, Mexico has delivered less than 30% of that amount, and the deadline for the current five-year period is fast approaching. This shortfall is causing concern in southern Texas, where farmers rely heavily on this water for their crops. The lack of water is being blamed for major damage to agriculture in the region. Reports say that the only sugar mill in Texas had to shut down last year because there wasn’t enough water for farming.
The water is essential not just for crops, but also for the livelihoods of many families and workers. The situation has raised serious alarm about how it could impact food production and local economies in South Texas.
US Sparks Outrage by Rejecting Mexico’s Water Request Over 1944 Treaty Violation
Trump’s Strong Message on Obligations
The former U.S. president has spoken out loudly against what he calls Mexico’s violation of the treaty. He took to his social media platform to say that Mexico “owes” Texas 1.3 million acre-feet. He said that this shortage is “very unfair” and accused Mexico of “stealing” it from Texas farmers.
He said he would not let this situation continue. In his message, he mentioned that deliveries to Tijuana were recently stopped as a way to pressure Mexico. He also warned that stronger actions could follow. These actions may include tariffs, which are extra taxes on goods brought in from Mexico, and even sanctions, which are penalties that can affect trade or business.
He also said that his agriculture team is standing with Texas farmers and will keep increasing pressure until the water owed is delivered. The statement made it clear that this issue is being treated as a serious breach of international agreement.
Cartel Terror in Mexico: Chilling Graveyard of the Missing Uncovered
Mexico Cites Drought, Treaty Allows Exceptions
On the other side of the dispute, Mexico has said that a severe drought is making it impossible to send the full amount of water. Drought means there hasn’t been enough rain, and this has caused major shortages across parts of Mexico.
The treaty from 1944 actually has a rule that allows Mexico to roll over the water debt into the next cycle if there’s an emergency like a drought. This means that if nature doesn’t allow them to meet the target in five years, they can catch up in the next five years. However, the problem is that this same emergency clause has been used before, and the situation seems to be repeating.
According to officials who track the flow between the two countries, Mexico is far behind on its current delivery. The sharing is monitored by a joint body called the International Boundary and Water Commission. This group makes sure that the two countries follow the rules set in the treaty.
Intense Foreign Pressure as Mexico Opposes U.S. Military Intervention Plan
Reports suggest that Mexican officials are now trying to find ways to send more water soon. They are worried that the dispute could affect trade or lead to punishment by the U.S. if it is not resolved.
However, there has been no official statement so far from the government office in Mexico. The silence has added to the uncertainty over what steps Mexico plans to take in response to the threats.
This dispute has become one of the biggest flashpoints in the long-standing sharing arrangement between the United States and Mexico. The disagreement has drawn attention to how climate issues, agriculture, international agreements, and trade measures like tariffs are deeply connected. As of now, the tension remains high, and water remains at the center of this international clash.