CRS – U.S.-Mexico Water Sharing: Background and Recent Developments. Nicole T. Carter, Specialist in Natural Resources Policy; Clare Ribando Seelke, Specialist in Latin American Affairs; Daniel T. Shedd, Legislative Attorney. November 19, 2013.

“This report is a primer on U.S. and Mexican water-sharing topics. It focuses on surface water quantity sharing and recent developments, including drought conditions. Due to Mexico’s recent below-target deliveries of Rio Grande water to the United States, particular attention is given to the status, underlying causes, and responses to the Rio Grande water debt. This report describes:

• legal obligations and processes under the 1944 Water Treaty;
• drought conditions from 2010 to 2013;
• water sharing and developments in the Colorado River Basin;
• water sharing in the Rio Grande Basin and Mexico’s water debt; and
• stakeholder, diplomatic, and legislative responses to Mexico’s Rio Grande water debt.”