Mexico and the United States reached an agreement on December 13, 2025, for the delivery of 249.163 million cubic meters of Rio Grande water, starting next week, following tensions over the 1944 Water Treaty. The deal averts a 5% tariff threat from Donald Trump and addresses the previous water deficit. Mexico maintains it complies with the treaty despite drought in the northern border region.
Agreement between Mexico and the United States on the Water Treaty
On December 13, 2025, the governments of Mexico and the United States announced a joint understanding to resolve disputes under the 1944 Treaty of Limits and Waters, which regulates water distribution in the Colorado, Rio Grande, and Conchos rivers. Mexico commits to releasing 249.163 million cubic meters of water, with deliveries starting the week of December 15. This volume addresses the demand for 246.6 million pending, according to President Donald Trump, who threatened a 5% tariff if unmet by December 31.
The treaty stipulates that the United States delivers 1.850 million cubic meters annually from the Colorado River to Mexico, while Mexico provides 2.185 million in five-year cycles from the Rio Grande to the United States. Both countries recognize the 'critical importance' of these obligations for border communities and agree to strengthen resource management. Negotiations to cover the previous cycle's deficit will conclude by January 31, 2026. In case of non-compliance, each nation may act sovereignly, subject to international obligations.
Mexico's Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) emphasized no treaty violations occurred and additional deliveries were made 'always within the legal framework and operational limits,' without affecting water for human consumption and agricultural production. 'Mexico complies according to the real availability of the resource, without affecting the human right to water and food production,' the communique stated.
Tensions have risen over the past five years due to severe droughts, farmer protests in Chihuahua in 2020, and diplomatic pressures. Trump claims Mexico owes over 986.4 million cubic meters accumulated, impacting U.S. farmers and ranchers. In Mexico, the National Agricultural Council (CNA) warned the delivery could cause 'hunger' and damage in states like Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, leading to uncontrollable migration. 'Without a doubt, it would generate a lot of hunger and a lot of damage in the area,' said Jorge Esteve Recolons, CNA president.
The International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA/IBWC) oversees compliance, promoting binational solutions to environmental challenges.
