Mexico and US reach deal on Rio Grande water sharing

Mexico and the United States have come to an agreement where Mexico will promptly increase the amount of water sent from the shared Rio Grande basin to Texas farmers. This agreement was made following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump of imposing tariffs and sanctions. The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, stated that Mexico will transfer water from international reservoirs and boost the U.S. water share in six Rio Grande tributaries until the end of the current five-year water cycle. The joint statement released by both countries did not provide specific details but emphasized that the 1944 treaty governing water sharing remains mutually beneficial and does not require renegotiation. Mexico is required to supply 1,750,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. every five years from six tributaries, equivalent to an average of 350,000 acre-feet annually. With the current cycle ending in October, Mexico faces a risk of not meeting the deadline, although the treaty allows for a water debt in the initial four years if it can be compensated for in the fifth year.