A Desert Town’s Struggle Becomes a Border Crisis
Drought and Diplomacy, In the drought-stricken town of San Francisco de Conchos, northern Mexico, residents gather to pray beside the cracked shores of Lake Toronto. The once-mighty reservoir, anchored by the La Boquilla Dam, is at just 14% of its capacity. As local families pray for rain, political pressure from Washington adds further weight to their fears. Read More
The worsening drought in Chihuahua is now at the center of a bitter international dispute. At issue is the 1944 US-Mexico water treaty—a deal that, for decades, maintained stability but is now showing serious strain.
A Treaty Built for a Different Time
Under the treaty, Mexico must send 430 million cubic meters of Rio Grande water to the US annually. In return, the US delivers water from the Colorado River to Mexican border cities like Tijuana and Mexicali.
But Mexico has failed to meet its annual obligations multiple times over the past two decades. Now, the Trump administration is threatening retaliation, including economic sanctions.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Mexico isn’t playing fair. If they won’t deliver the water, we’ll bring the pressure—TARIFFS and SANCTIONS.”
A Crisis Felt on Both Sides of the Border
In the US, Texas farmers are losing patience. Brian Jones, a fourth-generation farmer in the Rio Grande Valley, has faced three consecutive years of limited planting due to water shortages.
“We’ve followed the rules. We’ve honored the treaty. It’s time Mexico did too,” he says.
Jones claims Chihuahua received enough rain in 2022 to share water but chose not to release any. He accuses Mexican farmers of hoarding water to grow competing crops.
Mexico’s Farmers Defend Their Rights
Farmers in Chihuahua argue the treaty allows flexibility during droughts. “You can’t take from what isn’t there,” says veteran water monitor Rafael Betance.
Despite pressure from the US, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration insists it is working to address the deficit. A recent transfer of 75 million cubic meters was a start—but far from the 1.5 billion cubic meters owed.
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Agricultural Practices Under Scrutiny
Water usage remains another point of contention. Many Chihuahua farms still use flood irrigation—a method criticized as outdated and wasteful.
Jaime Ramirez, a local farmer and former mayor, installed modern sprinklers to save water. “We use 60% less this way,” he says. “But it’s expensive. Not everyone can afford it.”
Ramirez argues that change is possible but requires investment. He calls for empathy and patience from Texas counterparts, reminding them that Mexican farmers are on the edge of collapse.
“If the rain doesn’t come, next year there won’t be farming at all—only enough water for people to drink,” he warns.
Environmental Impact Beyond Farming
The drought isn’t just hurting agriculture. With so little water in Lake Toronto, the ecosystem is unraveling. Warmer reservoir temperatures threaten fish populations, and tourism has dried up entirely.
“This is the worst I’ve seen it in 35 years,” says Betance. “The lake’s dying.”
Can Diplomacy Prevail?
Despite the heated rhetoric, both governments have left room for negotiation. Sheinbaum has avoided direct confrontation with Trump, focusing instead on gradual repayment and cooperation.
But with emotions high and the environment worsening, a peaceful resolution is far from guaranteed.
Conclusion: An Agreement in Crisis
The 1944 water treaty, once a symbol of North American cooperation, is now a flashpoint. Climate change, population growth, and outdated infrastructure are testing its limits.
Whether diplomacy, investment, or divine rain comes first, one thing is certain—without action, the water will run out long before the patience of those who depend on it.
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