No Water, No Life: South Texas Must Unite for Water Security
The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) faces an ominous future as escalating drought and unmet obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty from Mexico threaten the region’s critical water supply. As Texas Border Business reports, local leaders are rallying for change, urging immediate action to enforce the treaty through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This is not just a local matter but one that affects the broader economy and environment of South Texas.
The Looming Water Crisis
For decades, the Rio Grande has been the lifeblood of the RGV, sustaining its people, economy, and environment. However, the current water crisis is putting immense pressure on the Valley’s resources. At a press conference held by the Texas International Produce Association in Mission, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, Texas Citrus Mutual President Dale Murden, and Texas International Produce Association CEO Dante Galeazzi emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for enforceable measures against Mexico for failing to meet its water delivery obligations.
“For far too long—80 years—we have been held hostage by the Mexican government, which failed over and over to give us the water that they owed us,” stated Congresswoman De La Cruz. “That’s why we lost our sugar cane industry—over 500 jobs and millions of dollars gone. That will not happen under my watch.”
The integration of the 1944 Water Treaty into the USMCA is seen as a crucial step in ensuring Mexico’s compliance. Currently, there are no enforceable consequences if Mexico fails to deliver the agreed-upon water, leaving the Valley’s future uncertain.
Impact on the Rio Grande Valley
The ramifications of a water shortage extend far beyond agricultural fields. In the RGV, every city, business, and household depends on a steady water supply. Without it, new housing developments, manufacturing projects, and infrastructure investments grind to a halt, threatening economic development and job creation in the region. Daniel Rivera, an economic developer from Elsa, highlighted the issue: “Water is the foundation for every home we build, every business park we design, and every factory we hope to land.”
For Valley residents, the stakes are incredibly high. With the potential loss of agriculture industries and restricted economic growth, the local communities are pushed into a state of vulnerability, making water security an urgent national priority.
A Call to Action
In a bid to rally public support, Texas Border Business encourages all residents of South Texas to engage proactively. It’s not merely about policy; it’s about securing a future where the Valley continues to thrive. The U.S. Trade Representative is welcoming public comments on the enforceability of the Water Treaty under the USMCA until November 3, 2025. Officials are urging residents to voice their concerns and demand that the U.S. government holds Mexico accountable for its obligations.
The Valley cannot afford to wait. In the words of Galeazzi, “Securing this water supply is about more than just today’s needs—it’s about ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the generations to come.”
Learning from the Past
This is not the first time the RGV has navigated complex challenges related to water access. Historically, the region has grappled with cross-border water agreements and their implications on local industries, housing, and overall economic conditions. The current discourse reflects a deeper, ongoing struggle to redefine the Valley’s resource management in an era of climate uncertainty.
The Path Forward
While the push for treaty enforceability gains momentum, experts underscore the importance of balancing immediate actions with long-term strategies for resilience. Developing infrastructure to conserve and efficiently use water will be key to supporting future growth, as will fostering regional partnerships focused on sustainable development practices.
The future implications of these policy shifts are significant. Should the 1944 Water Treaty become enforceable under the USMCA, the RGV could see a resurgence in both economic and environmental vitality as businesses regain confidence in the water supply’s reliability.
Nonetheless, discussions around this topic invite diverse perspectives. Critics may question the international and bureaucratic hurdles involved, while advocates stress the treaty’s integration into the USMCA as a critical safeguard for the Valley’s prosperity.
For more information and to participate in this critical discussion, residents can visit [comments.ustr.gov](https://comments.ustr.gov/s/submit-new-comment?docketNumber=USTR-2025-0004) and ensure that their voices contribute to shaping the region’s environmental, economic, and social futures.
In the Rio Grande Valley, one truth remains evident: no water, no life. The community must now come together to forge a path toward security and sustainability.
