Water We Do?: U.S. And Mexico Struggle To Resolve Water Dispute

Beyond immigration, a new border dispute between the U.S. and Mexico has been heating up for years and is about to reach a fever pitch. An 80-year-old treaty obligates Mexico to deliver water from tributaries on their side of the Rio Grande to parts of South Texas every five years. But many such shipments have been delayed or halted altogether. Severe drought has plagued both nations, resulting in the ongoing disagreement. Now, with reservoirs on the Rio Grande at critically low levels, many industries and communities in South Texas are being impacted, including the loss of the last sugar mill in the region.

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), which oversees the negotiation and execution of the treaty, is struggling to work out a solution. Despite optimistic discussions in 2023, Mexico ultimately declined to sign a new agreement, leaving Texas and federal officials urging compliance amidst growing local agricultural distress.