The water treaty between Mexico and the United States has been in place since 1944. It has been a fundamental pillar in the shared management of transboundary water resources. However, the realities of the 21st century, marked by climate change, growing agricultural demand, and prolonged droughts, are putting its validity and adequacy to the test.
The drought in northern Mexico has hampered compliance with the treaty during the current cycle, which ends on Oct. 24. It is worth mentioning that Mexico has not defaulted on deliveries but is delivering low percentages of the scheduled quota from the Rio Grande. This situation has generated diplomatic tensions, such as the United States’ refusal to supply Colorado River water to Tijuana, affecting border communities.
It has been noted that the treaty does not adequately address current conditions, such as population growth, climate change, and increasing water consumption per capita. People in general but especially farmers and indigenous people in the border region directly suffer the consequences of water conflicts.
For example, Tijuana water consumption relies 90% on the Colorado River, and faces a water crisis exacerbated by poor infrastructure and uncontrolled urban growth. Despite these challenges, bilateral cooperation efforts exist. Mexico and the United States have worked together on sanitation projects, such as the rehabilitation of sewer lines in Mexicali and the expansion of the Las Arenitas wastewater treatment plant.
Despite the tensions, water can be a bridge to strengthen binational ties. Joint investment initiatives for drinking water and sanitation infrastructure projects have benefited more than 10.6 million residents in the border region since 1996. We must work together so that both countries make the most of this resource.
Binational projects elsewhere such as cooperation in comprehensive urban solid waste management between Aguas Blancas (Argentina) and Bermejo (Bolivia) demonstrate that cross-border collaboration can be effective in resolving common problems.
The 1944 water treaty faces significant challenges due to climate change and growing water demand. However, with political will and binational cooperation, it is possible to transform water from a source of conflict into a symbol of unity and sustainability in the border region. Therefore, it is important to keep the community informed, and work on education and spreading awareness on water conservation, to ensure efficient use of this precious resource.
Different organizations and groups in both the United States and Mexico have mobilized to ensure equity in water distribution and address the challenges arising from drought and climate change. In the United States, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Colorado River Water Users Association, The Nature Conservancy, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority are working on this issue.
From the Mexican side, the National Water Commission (Conagua), the International Boundary and Water Commission, and civil society organizations such as El Colegio de la Frontera Norte and the Water Action Network are contributing. Educational institutions such as CETYS Universidad, Tecnologico de Tijuana, the San Diego Foundation, SDSU, and the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve and Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association have worked together to develop and implement water conservation strategies in both urban and rural areas.
This includes water efficiency programs, improving storage and distribution infrastructure to prevent losses and leaks, and promoting innovative technologies such as the reuse of treated water and more efficient irrigation systems in agriculture. If government, academia, and the community work together, we can strengthen these ties for the benefit of all.
Dr. Marisela Martinez is head of the engineering faculty at the Tijuana campus of CETYS University.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Opinion: U.S and Mexico must collaborate to manage water supply amid climate change )
Also on site :