Texas Relies on 1944 Treaty Water

As the manager of surface waters in the state, TCEQ works to protect the interests of Texas water right holders and monitor treaty compliance. Under the leadership of Commissioner Tonya R. Miller, TCEQ actively engages on border matters related to the 1944 Water Treaty and Rio Grande water management.

1944 Treaty Overview

Mexico’s water deliveries in the international Rio Grande Basin are vital to ensuring that Texas water right holders can irrigate crops, supply water to municipalities, and conduct industrial operations along the Rio Grande.

Under the 1944 Treaty , Mexico is required to deliver 1,750,000 acre-feet (AF) of water to the U.S. over a five-year cycle, averaging 350,000 AF annually. Under the same Treaty, the United States continues to meet its annual obligation of providing 1.5 million AF from the Colorado River in the western U.S.

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), oversees the Treaty for the U.S. and works with Mexico to resolve issues that arise under its provisions. When Treaty deliveries from Mexico are reduced, Texas must adjust allocations from the international reservoirs— Amistad and Falcon —to Texas water-right holders.

Allocations in the Rio Grande Basin are administered through TCEQ’s Rio Grande Watermaster Program, which ensures water is distributed in accordance with both Texas law and international treaty obligations.

Reduced deliveries along the Rio Grande can significantly impact water users in Texas. In some cases, water users may need to secure alternate water supplies, adjust crop production, or reduce operations.

Rio Grande / Río Bravo Basin Watershed

Map of the Rio Grande Basin

Map showing the Pecos River, a major tributary of the Rio Grande in Texas and New Mexico.

Crossing the Rio Grande from the U.S. into Mexico at the Progreso International Bridge

International Falcon Dam and Reservoir in Falcon Heights, Texas

Treaty Deliveries and Current Status

• Mexico’s water deliveries are tracked by five-year Treaty cycles. Information on the  volume of water Mexico delivered during the current 5-year cycle is available through IBWC’s data dashboard.
• Historical delivery data shows that there have been multiple instances where deliveries have fallen below Treaty requirements. View a history of Treaty deliveries.
• Current estimates of ownership (U.S. or Mexico) to water in—or flowing from—Amistad and Falcon are published weekly in the IBWC Reservoir Storage Report.

Rio Grande Watermaster Program

TCEQ’s Rio Grande Watermaster Program administers water rights within the basin and oversees allocation of available supplies. The program provides updates on reservoir ownership, water availability, and allocation percentages to ensure water is distributed in accordance with both Texas law and international Treaty obligations.

Read additional information about the Rio Grande Watermaster Program.

Minutes (Amendments) to the 1944 Water Treaty

Under the 1944 Water Treaty, a “Minute” (known as an “Acta” in Spanish) is a formal agreement adopted by the U.S. and Mexican sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). Minutes are comparable to amendments or implementing agreements to the Treaty and should not be confused with meeting minutes. View Minutes under the 1944 Water Treaty.

Correspondence and Federal Actions

The Rio Grande is a shared resource between the United States and Mexico. Federal, state and local leaders have issued correspondence and public statements emphasizing the importance of compliance with Treaty obligations.

IBWC Citizen Forums

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) hosts Citizen Forums to provide public updates and receive input regarding water management along the U.S.–Mexico border. These forums offer stakeholders and community members an opportunity to learn about Treaty implementation, reservoir conditions, and binational water coordination efforts.

Information about upcoming forums and materials from past meetings is available on the IBWC Citizen Forums webpage

Resources

• Learn about the economic impact of irrigation water shortages on agriculture in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Texas Department of Agriculture outline Mexico's Water Deficit to the United States.
• The Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group works with state agencies and local stakeholders to develop and update a Regional Water Plan.
• Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA) administers national waters, manages and controls the country's hydrological system, and promotes social development.