Water Treaty

The Water Treaty plan calls for a substantial delivery of water from Mexico, with applicable conveyance loss credits that would zero out the debt. Conveyance loss credits would be calculated as per the guidance approved by the IBWC last year.

Excess waters delivered in 2004 (above the 350,000 AF minimum) plus the contemplated transfer would be accounted towards the debt. None of the 350,000 acre-foot minimum deliveries from each of the first two years of this current cycle (27) would be used to pay off previous cycles.

Mexico would still be required to deliver at least the minimum of 350,000 acre-feet per year for years 3-5 of the current cycle and end the cycle without a deficit.

The US would agree to close cycles 25 & 26 when the requested transfer takes place and it can be demonstrated that the debt has been eliminated. The US and Mexico would agree to meet each October to assess basin conditions and work on a delivery plan for the following water year.

The US and Mexico would agree to assess dry conditions utilizing 2000 - 2002 storage volumes and runoff as a base line for drought.

Mexico would agree to utilize the San Juan in the future to meet both US and Mexico water demands in the lower Rio Grande (below Rio Grande City) as a means to conserve water in Amistad and Falcon and help ensure minimum deliveries to the US.

This plan would allow the US to hold in storage an amount greater than 100% without necessarily closing out cycle 27.

Press Releases

• Mar. 22, 2005 - Mexico Makes Major Water Transfer