In 1945, the water treaty between Mexico and the U.S was signed with the intent to share the water of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. Now nearly 70 years later, Mexico engineer Roberto Enriquez de la Garza stood near the Amistad Dam to explain why Mexico can’t hold up its side of the treaty, reports The Washington Post.
Mexico doesn’t dispute its water debt, but its own shortages make it impossible. Enriquez de la Garza asked: “How can we (give the U.S. water) when there is no water?” He said, “I can’t do anything. It’s not raining.” Treaty interpretations have halted water-sharing from Mexico, as it is a case of “extraordinary drought” conditions.
Under the terms of the treaty, the U.S. is obligated to give Mexico water from the Colorado River, while Mexico must transfer water from the Rio Grande and its tributaries. Mexico has fallen behind and at this point, in the fourth year of present cycle, Mexico owes the U.S. 380,000 acre-feet of water.
Water shared from Mexico impacts farmers, water utilities and residents of the Rio Grande Valley.
“This issue is life or death for some of our farmers, their ability to support their families and make a living,” said Texas State Rep. Eddie Lucio II.