Drought, Overuse and Politics Threaten the Rio Grande, a Vital Water Source for the U.S and Mexico

The Rio Grande is one of the longest and most important rivers in North America, providing water for millions of people and wildlife on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

But the river is facing a serious threat from climate change, overuse, and political disputes that could leave it dry and lifeless.

How climate change and human activities are draining the river

(Photo : Marcelo Oliveira/Getty Images)

The Rio Grande originates from the Colorado Rockies and flows for about 1,900 miles (3,060 kilometers) until it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

Along the way, it forms the border between Texas and Mexico, where it is known as the Río Bravo del Norte. The river's English and Spanish names mean, respectively, "large" and "rough".

But the river is not living up to its name.

In recent years, the Rio Grande has been shrinking due to drought, high temperatures, and reduced snowpack in its upper basin.

According to a study by the U.S. Geological Survey, the river's flow has declined by about 25% since 2000.

The river is also heavily exploited by human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and urban development.

The U.S. and Mexico share the water of the river and its tributaries under a treaty signed in 1944.

However, the treaty does not account for the effects of climate change or population growth, which have increased the demand for water in both countries.

The treaty allocates specific shares of water to each country from both the main stem of the river and its tributaries in Texas and Mexico.

One of the main sources of conflict is the delivery of water from six Mexican tributaries to the U.S., which must total some 76 million cubic feet (2.2 million cubic meters) over each five-year period.

Mexico has often failed to meet its obligations due to drought and water scarcity in its own territory.

For example, in October 2020, Mexico had a deficit of about 12 million cubic feet (340,000 cubic meters) that it had to pay back to the U.S. before the end of the cycle.

This sparked protests and violence by Mexican farmers who feared losing their water rights.

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How the water crisis affects people and nature along the border

The water crisis on the Rio Grande has serious consequences for people and nature along the border.

Many communities depend on the river for drinking water, irrigation, recreation, and cultural identity.

The river also supports a rich biodiversity of plants and animals, including endangered species such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow and the southwestern willow flycatcher.

However, these communities and ecosystems are at risk of losing their water source as the river dries up or becomes polluted.

For instance, in August 2020, the Rio Grande went dry in Albuquerque for the first time in four decades due to persistent drought.

This reduced the habitat and food availability for fish and wildlife, as well as the quality of life for residents.

Another example is the colonias, which are urban and rural border communities with poor infrastructure and limited access to basic services.

These communities often rely on groundwater wells or water trucks for their water supply, which can be contaminated or expensive.

Some colonias have no running water at all, forcing residents to use buckets or bottles to collect water from nearby sources.

The water crisis also affects farmers and cities in southern Texas and northern Mexico, who compete for the scarce water of the Rio Grande.

Farmers need water to grow crops such as cotton, corn, sugarcane, and citrus fruits, which are vital for their livelihoods and local economies. Cities need water to meet the needs of their growing populations and industries.

However, both farmers and cities face water shortages and restrictions that limit their production and development.

For example, in 2020, farmers in Texas received only about 3% of their normal irrigation allotment from the Rio Grande due to low reservoir levels.

Cities, such as El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, have implemented water conservation measures and invested in alternative sources such as desalination plants.

How cooperation and innovation can save the river

The Rio Grande is not just a border-it's a river in crisis that needs urgent action from both countries.

The U.S. and Mexico need to cooperate more closely to manage their shared water resources in a sustainable and equitable way.

This means revising or updating the treaty to reflect current conditions and challenges, as well as resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

The two countries also need to invest in innovation and adaptation to cope with the impacts of climate change and water scarcity.

This includes developing new technologies and practices that can reduce water consumption and increase water efficiency, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater reuse.

It also involves restoring and protecting the natural environment that supports the river's health, such as wetlands, forests, and floodplains.

The Rio Grande is a vital lifeline for millions of people and wildlife on both sides of the border. By working together, the U.S. and Mexico can ensure that the river continues to flow and thrive for generations to come.