Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday said her government is negotiating with its northern states to send more water to the United States.
This is after Mexico's historic shortfall led President Donald Trump to threaten tariffs and sanctions.
Mexico is said to be scrambling for solutions after falling critically behind on its obligatory deliveries to the US under an 81-year-old water-sharing treaty.
“Talks are under way with the governors of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Chihuahua to reach a joint agreement to determine how much water can be delivered … without affecting Mexican producers, while also complying with the 1944 treaty,” Sheinbaum said.
It was reported last week that Mexico will likely enforce an amendment inserted into the treaty last year that empowers Mexican federal officials to take extra water from its states to comply with obligations, though it is likely to face resistance from state governments.
Under the treaty that outlines water-sharing between the two countries through a network of interconnected dams and reservoirs, Mexico must send 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the US from the Rio Grande every five years.
According to data from the International Boundary and Water Commission, the treaty's current five-year cycle is up in October, but Mexico has sent less than 30% of the required water.
