Arizona’s future is closely tied to its water supply – and that makes an updated water accord between the United States and Mexico critically important for our state.
Mexico will continue its pledge to take reductions in its allotment of Colorado River water if a water shortage is declared on the river – that’s something U.S. states are required to do, with Arizona and Nevada first in line to lose water.
It establishes a Binational Water Scarcity Contingency Plan, in which Mexico agrees to join U.S. states in temporarily taking less water from Lake Mead to prevent the declaration of a shortage.
Arizona and Nevada would suffer cutbacks in Colorado River water allotments first if that happens.
Since 1944, the United States has had a treaty with Mexico regarding the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. Mexico has rights to Colorado River water and its participation in long-range water planning is essential.
Negotiated by representatives of both United States and Mexico, as well participation from U.S. states, this accord furthers cooperation and long-term planning to prevent the need for crisis management.