Water Treaty Inclusion Sought in U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement

U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz from Texas has called for inclusion of a water treaty with Mexico to be included in the upcoming United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). De La Cruz advocated for inclusion of the 1944 Water Treaty in a public comment letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Greer to ensure Mexico complies with its obligated water deliveries.

Learn here about the importance of the water treaty to the Texas citrus industry. 

Here is the text of the letter to Greer:

The 1944 Water Treaty is a foundational agreement governing the allocation of shared water resources between the U.S. and Mexico. However, a pattern of inconsistent and insufficient water deliveries from Mexico, particularly along the Rio Grande, has created a significant and persistent water deficit. This deficit has a direct and detrimental impact on farmers and ranchers across Texas.

The current framework for addressing these water issues, primarily through the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), has not proven sufficient to ensure timely and predictable water deliveries. There have been water delivery issues related to the treaty for over 80 years, and this will continue to be an issue if not included in the USMCA.

By including the treaty within the USMCA framework, the U.S. would gain access to the agreement’s robust dispute settlement mechanisms. This would provide a much needed, effective and enforceable means to hold Mexico accountable for its treaty obligations. The USMCA’s structure would allow for a binding resolution to water disputes, thereby ensuring the stability and predictability that farmers and ranchers depend on.

I respectfully request that the USTR (U.S. Trade Representative) use the upcoming joint review of the USMCA to:

• Formally recognize and incorporate the terms of the 1944 Water Treaty into the USMCA.
• Establish a clear link between water delivery obligations and trade commitments, making non-compliance subject to the USMCA’s enforcement and dispute resolution processes.
• Prioritize this issue in discussions with our Mexican counterparts to secure reliable and consistent water deliveries.

A stable and secure water supply is essential for the economic vitality of the U.S. communities and industries that rely on transboundary rivers. I believe that integrating the 1944 Water Treaty into the USMCA is the most effective way to protect our interests and ensure a prosperous future for all stakeholders along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Thank you for your consideration of this urgent matter. I look forward to your proactive engagement during the joint review process.

Source: U.S. Representative Monica De La Cruz