U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas expressed his concerns about Mexico's delayed water deliveries during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of Mexico fulfilling its obligations under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande.
Senator Cornyn stated, “Now in the fourth year of a five-year cycle, Mexico continues to fall further and further behind in fulfilling its obligations and releasing the water it owes to the Amistad and Falcon reservoirs, and it is having dire consequences.” He urged Secretary Blinken to take action to ensure that South Texas farmers and ranchers receive the water they are due, as their livelihoods depend on these deliveries.
Joining the call were U.S. Representatives Tony Gonzales, Henry Cuellar, Monica De La Cruz, and Vincente Gonzalez, all from Texas.
According to the background provided, Mexico is supposed to deliver 350,000-acre feet of water annually over a five-year cycle to contribute to the Rio Grande's water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling this obligation, causing challenges for South Texas farmers and ranchers. The current delay has led to Mexico being behind approximately 817,000 acre-feet on water deliveries, with the U.S. having received only 32% of the water delivery so far in the fourth year of the cycle.
The ongoing drought and lack of water deliveries have prompted Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez to issue a disaster declaration recently.
Senator Cornyn's efforts to address this issue include previous actions such as raising alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closure due to water shortages, cosponsoring a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sending a letter to Secretary Blinken urging engagement on Mexico's violation of the treaty.
The phone call between Senator Cornyn and Secretary Blinken is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that Mexico upholds its treaty obligations and provides the necessary water deliveries to support agriculture and livestock in South Texas.