A water war is looming between Mexico and the US. Neither side will win

[riversedge]

A water war is looming between Mexico and the US. Neither side will win
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/17/climate/water-conflict-us-mexico-heat-drought/index.html



By Laura Paddison and Fidel Gutiérrez, CNN

Updated 5:48 AM EDT, Mon June 17, 2024

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The Rio Grande forms the US-Mexico border at Big Bend Ranch State Park, on March 14 near Presidio, Texas.

Tensions are rising in a border dispute between the United States and Mexico. But this conflict is not about migration; it’s about water.

Under an 80-year-old treaty, the United States and Mexico share waters from the Colorado River and the Rio Grande, respectively. But in the grip of severe drought and searing temperatures, Mexico has fallen far behind in deliveries, putting the country’s ability to meet its obligations in serious doubt.

Some politicians say they cannot give what they do not have.

It’s a tough argument to swallow for farmers in South Texas, also struggling with a dearth of rain. They say the lack of water from Mexico is propelling them into crisis, leaving the future of farming in the balance. Some Texas leaders have called on the Biden administration to withhold aid from Mexico until it makes good on the shortfall.

Both countries are staring down the prospect of another long, hot summer and many are pinning hopes on a storm to swell Mexico’s drought-stricken rivers. Yet experts say the pray-for-rain approach is a risky, short-term strategy in the face of a knotty long-term problem. ............................