News Summary
Water scarcity issues in South Texas, particularly in Elsa, are jeopardizing economic growth as the reliability of water supply from the Rio Grande becomes increasingly uncertain. The rising cost of water and the adverse impacts on agriculture and local businesses highlight the urgency for solutions. Calls for action include proposed changes to enforce water delivery obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. Community involvement is crucial as residents are urged to participate in discussions that may influence water security policies ahead of a critical deadline.
Texas – South Texas leaders have issued urgent calls for the integration of the 1944 Water Treaty into the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in a bid to address severe water scarcity issues impacting the region. This comes amid warnings that ongoing water shortages from the Rio Grande are jeopardizing economic growth and development in multiple cities across South Texas.
Daniel Rivera, the Executive Director of the Elsa Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the critical role that reliable water supplies play in the region’s ability to foster growth. He noted that water is essential for homes, businesses, and factories, and an unreliable supply threatens to stall developmental progress. Rivera pointed out that the price of water in Elsa has surged nearly threefold in recent years, significantly burdening families and municipal operations.
Water scarcity has also been attributed to inconsistent deliveries from Mexico under the current stipulations of the 1944 Water Treaty. The treaty mandates that Mexico provide the United States with 350,000 acre-feet of water annually, amounting to a total of 1.75 million acre-feet every five years; however, recent data indicates that as of October 4, Mexico has only delivered 811,348 acre-feet of water during the current cycle.
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz reiterated Rivera’s concerns about the implications of these water shortages on economic confidence. She noted that the region has suffered significantly—highlighting the loss of the local sugar cane industry and over 500 jobs—as a direct result of Mexico’s failure to adhere to the treaty’s requirements. By proposing to make the water treaty enforceable through the USMCA, De La Cruz believes Mexico would be held accountable for its water commitments.
De La Cruz addressed a misstatement regarding overdue water from Mexico, clarifying that the correct deficit is approximately 420,000 acre-feet, rather than the previously mentioned figure. She emphasized the importance of public participation in strengthening the enforcement of the water treaty, calling for community input in comments to the U.S. Trade Representative by the deadline of November 3, 2025.
Dale Murden, President of Texas Citrus Mutual, voiced concern over the impacts of unreliable water availability on the health of the region’s economy. He stated that farmers are being compelled to significantly cut back on crop planting due to the scarcity of water, posing a threat to local food production. Murden highlighted the urgency of addressing the water crisis, which threatens the livelihoods of millions in South Texas.
The press conference held at the TexaSweet Building in Mission offered a platform for local leaders to underscore the pressing need for a sustainable water solution. Officials warned that the consequences of inaction could lead to environmental degradation, economic decline, and agricultural collapse in South Texas, further exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents.
As the scarcity crisis escalates and local leaders unite to advocate for accountability from Mexico, the urgency to make the 1944 Water Treaty enforceable through the USMCA has never been clearer. The actions taken in the coming months could determine the future stability of water resources, economic growth, and agricultural sustainability in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Texas Border Business: Daniel Rivera Warns Water Crisis Threatens Economic Growth
- FreshPlaza: Shortfall in Water Delivery from Mexico for Texas Growers
- MyRGV: US Rep De La Cruz & Citrus Industry Call for Water Treaty to be Tied to USMCA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Scarcity
- Texas Border Business: Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Urges Action on 1944 Water Treaty
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
