The United States ­ Mexico Dispute over the Waters of the Lower Rio Grande River

Publication Date: March 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

Type:

Coverage: Mexico

Abstract:

The waters from the lower Rio Grande River are shared between the United States and Mexico pursuant to a 1944 Treaty. Beginning in 1992, Mexico claimed that "extraordinary drought" prevented it from fully meeting and repaying its water delivery obligations under the Treaty. Water supplies for users in South Texas (as well as Mexico) were significantly reduced as a result. Mexico owes the United States approximately 730,700 acre feet of water and is under threat of international litigation for allegedly expropriating water at the expense of South Texas water users, though it recently reached an agreement with the United States to eliminate its water debt by September 30, 2005. This report discusses the 1944 Treaty, the events that have led up to the current resolution, and Congress's response to this water crisis. It also discusses some of the proposals that various parties have suggested to help manage and prevent another water debt from occurring. This report will be updated as warranted.