Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) have called for immediate action from Mexico regarding its failure to meet water delivery obligations 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 addressed the issue, stating: “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 latest five-year cycle under the treaty ended on October 24, 2025, with Mexico failing to deliver a total of 1.75 million acre-feet as required. Preliminary data suggests that Mexico still owes over 800,000 acre-feet—about two and a half years’ worth—pending final review by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). The United States has consistently met its own obligations under this agreement for deliveries along the Colorado River.
A study by Texas A&M University estimated that economic losses in the Rio Grande Valley reached $994 million in 2023 due to these shortfalls.
In response to record-low levels at Falcon and Amistad reservoirs last year, Texas accepted alternative water deliveries from Mexico through non-designated sources 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 proposed act aims to hold Mexico accountable for not fulfilling its treaty commitments and would restrict certain interactions with Mexico until it complies with its delivery requirements.
Texas officials plan to work alongside federal agencies such as the IBWC and U.S. Department of Agriculture to address ongoing regional water needs.
