WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Trump administration announced the U.S. has reached a deal with Mexico to boost water deliveries for South Texas farmers.
Mexico is obligated, under the 1944 U.S. Mexico Water Treaty to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water every five years. This five-year period ends on October 24, 2025. So far, Mexico has delivered about 530,730 acre-feet of water.
The Mexican government announced it has agreed to boost water deliveries to the U.S. Mexico plans to deliver 324,000 to 420,000 acre-feet of water over the next five months, according to a release.
“Mexico will deliver to us over a year’s worth of water over the next 5 months,” said Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas).
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said she, President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio negotiated with the Mexican government. Rollins said an April 10 Truth Social post from President Trump accelerated negotiations.
The Trump administration decided in March to reject a delivery of water from the Colorado River to the city of Tijuana. The U.S. State Department cited Mexico’s failure to uphold commitments to Texas under the water treaty.
Rollins confirmed the U.S. has resumed deliveries from the Colorado river to Tijuana.
U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mignon Houston said the Trump administration will use all available diplomatic tools to make sure Mexico honors its commitment, this time around, but added, she doesn’t think they’ll be necessary.
“We have a president who is the ultimate dealmaker,” Houston said. “I would trust this administration and the deal that has been made.”
Houston said, the administration has meetings scheduled, to ensure Mexico is upholding its obligations. She said the State Department also plans on further negotiations with Mexico to make up the rest of the shortfall.
The water shortage has affected farmers who grow citrus, corn and winter vegetables. The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers shut down the last sugar mill in Texas last year, blaming the lack of water provided by Mexico.
“Very sadly, it’s too little too late for the sugar industry,” said De La Cruz. “But we saved citrus, and that’s equally as important.”
De La Cruz said she hopes in the future, Mexico’s water deliveries will be more predictable.
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