Rio Grande Basin

Current Context: Recently, Mexico and the U.S. reached a deal to resolve a treaty shortfall in water deliveries from the Rio Grande, after tensions escalated due to drought and political pressure from U.S. leadership.

About the Agreement:

• Treaty Basis: 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. over 5 years.
• 2025 Deal: Mexico agreed to transfer water from international reservoirs and allow increased U.S. shares from six tributaries until October 2025.
• Diplomatic Importance: Avoided U.S. sanctions and reinforced treaty commitment without renegotiation.
• Purpose: Ensure water availability for over 2.1 million acres of cropland in Texas and Mexico.

About Rio Grande Basin:

• Length: ~1,900 miles; 5th longest river in North America.
• Origin: Rocky Mountains; flows through Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico to Gulf of Mexico.
• Peak Flow: May–June (snowmelt), June–September (monsoon rains).
• Major Tributaries:
• USA: Pecos, Devils, Chama, Puerco Rivers.
• Mexico: Conchos, Salado, San Juan Rivers.
• Major Reservoirs: Falcon, Elephant Butte, Marte Gómez, Venustiano Carranza, and Amistad (built via 1969 U.S.–Mexico agreement).