The ongoing water crisis in the Rio Grande Valley has put farmers in a difficult position as they grapple with a decision that could impact their livelihoods for years to come. Despite facing devastating losses due to insufficient rainfall and depleting water reserves, farmers have been offered a lifeline in the form of 120,000 acre-feet of water from Mexico. However, accepting this offer comes with a catch – they would have to give up the water they already own and need for the next planting season.
The stalemate between farmers, irrigation districts, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has left many unsure of the best course of action. The recent offer from Mexico, prompted by heavy rains and runoff from the Marte Gomez reservoir, has brought the issue to a head. Farmers and irrigation districts met with representatives from TCEQ and the International Boundary and Water Commission to discuss the implications of accepting the water.
Sonny Hinojosa, a water advocate with the Hidalgo County Irrigation District Number 2, highlighted the dilemma faced by farmers. Accepting the water now would mean sacrificing their existing water rights and potentially facing charges for water they already own. This uncertainty has made farmers hesitant to invest in planting for the upcoming season, as they fear not having enough water to sustain their crops.
TCEQ’s stance on the matter is clear – charging farmers for the water would be unfair to other water rights holders who do not receive water from the San Juan river. However, Hinojosa believes that allowing farmers to accept the water without penalty could benefit everyone in the long run. By keeping their existing water in reservoirs, it could be reallocated to others if more water becomes available later on.
The Falcon and Amistad reservoirs, which supply water to farmers in the region, are currently at low levels due to a lack of rainfall. Mexico is obligated to deliver a specific amount of water to the U.S. under a 1944 treaty, but the ongoing water crisis has made meeting these obligations challenging.
As farmers weigh their options and navigate the complexities of water rights and allocations, the future of agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley hangs in the balance. The decision they make now will have lasting implications for their industry and the region as a whole. Mexico is facing a water crisis, with a balance of more than 1.3 million acre-feet that it needs to deliver by the October 2025 deadline. The San Juan River, although not one of the six tributaries in question, has offered water that could be credited towards Mexico’s water debt.
The urgency to reach an agreement on the offered water is crucial, as there is a risk of the water spilling over the dam. Maria-Elena Giner, IBWC commissioner, highlighted the potential consequences if action is not taken soon. She mentioned that if the commitment to use the water is not made promptly, others in Mexico may decide to keep it for their own use.
In response to the pressing situation, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an executive order allowing farmers and irrigation districts to use water from the Rio Grande. Miller emphasized the importance of acting swiftly, as bureaucratic delays could result in the water flowing out to the Gulf before any action is taken.
However, there are concerns about the legality of Miller’s authority to grant access to the water. TCEQ stated that water rights are governed by the Texas Water Code and TCEQ regulations, urging all Texans along the Rio Grande to comply with these requirements. The department continues to collaborate with local stakeholders and the IBWC to negotiate water deliveries from Mexico.
Despite the challenges, the IBWC appreciates Miller’s efforts to support South Texas producers and irrigation districts. Giner reiterated the agency’s commitment to urging Mexico to provide a plan to address the water shortfall and fulfill their water delivery obligations.
The situation in the Rio Grande Valley underscores the importance of effective water management and cooperation between nations to address water scarcity issues. It is crucial for Mexico to take proactive measures to meet its water commitments and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in the region.
