Building Trust on the Rio Grande

December 1, 2023                                                                

Media Contact: Colin McDonald, 210-878-5536, colin@texaswater.org

McAllen, Texas – The reservoirs that supply the cities and farms of the Rio Grande Valley are ending the year again at record lows. In Mexico and the United States, farmers are facing the high stake decisions of what or if to plant at all next year. Supply forecasts are forcing municipalities to enact escalating drought contingency plans. 

As the drought continues and aging infrastructure exposes risk, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is working on a new Minute, or amendment, to the 1944 International Treaty that governs the binational management of the Rio Grande. The goal of the Minute is to support a more predictable future for water allocations on both sides of the river.  

In mid-November, more than 150 stakeholders representing the political, economic, and environmental interests from the Lower Rio Grande and its main tributary, the Rio Conchos, gathered in the historic Casa de Palmas Hotel in McAllen Texas to learn more about the Minute framework and from each other. With the aid of simultaneous interpretation headsets, they shared their challenges, successes, and where they see potential for collaboration.

“This is stakeholder engagement at its best,” said Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, Commissioner of the U.S. Section of the IBWC. 

Hosted by Texas Water Foundation and in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U.S. and Mexican Sections of the IBWC, the two-day Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Binational River Symposium was held with the objective of advancing binational trust and collaboration. 

Between updates from policy and technical staff and presentations on binational salinity studies, a new model to aid in water allocations, irrigation practices, municipal successes, and binational environmental collaboration, attendees were able to meet face to face with their counterparts from both sides of the river, sharing meals, and building relationships. 

“Finding equitable solutions to water management is never easy,” said Texas Water Foundation CEO Sarah Schlessinger. “But solutions should start with stakeholders understanding each other’s needs and challenges. That’s what happened in McAllen, and we are so proud to have been a part of it.”  

The IBWC anticipates adopting the new minute on the Treaty in early 2024. Stay tuned to learn more.

Learn more about the event by viewing the agenda and photos here: www.texaswater.org/binationalsymposium.