US and Mexico reach 'Historic' agreement to address water shortages in Texas

Reuters

The United States and Mexico have finalized a "historic" agreement to boost water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty, aiming to ease critical shortages affecting Texas farmers and communities, the U.S. State Department announced on Monday.

"In a historic demonstration of leadership, President Donald Trump prioritized ensuring Mexican water deliveries for Texas farmers under the 1944 Water Treaty," said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement. She credited the achievement to the direct involvement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

The 1944 treaty mandates that the two countries share water from the Rio Grande, a major river along their shared border. Under the new agreement, Mexico will increase its water transfers from its reservoirs and rivers to the U.S., aiming to alleviate the severe shortages in Texas's Rio Grande Valley.

"These steps will help American farmers, ranchers, and municipalities get much-needed water and reduce shortfalls in deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty," Bruce noted. She also emphasized that both nations have committed to developing a long-term plan to reliably meet treaty obligations while addressing outstanding water debts.

The U.S. extended its gratitude to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her cooperation in reaching the deal and expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral efforts to combat ongoing water scarcity challenges in the region.

The agreement marks a significant diplomatic success for the Trump administration as it seeks to secure vital resources for American agricultural sectors impacted by climate variability and growing water demands.

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