Article Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/8/mexico-water-crisis-heats-up-as-us-transfer-deadline-looms
In early September, thousands of farmers gathered at the Boquilla dam to protest the imminent transfer of millions of cubic meters of water to the U.S. from Mexico’s northern state, Chihuahua. Farmers, who have been protesting for weeks, say the transfer will leave them unable to sustain their livelihoods. In 1944 the U.S. State Department and Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs brokered a treaty over water transfers. Since the treaty the Mexican government has been required to send 431 million cubic meters to the U.S. annually. Given that the U.S. transfers more water to Mexico (1.185), it is an advantageous agreement for Mexico. However, the treaty disadvantages the Chihuahua state, which provides 54% of the water sent to the U.S.. Mexico owes the U.S. 426 MCM by October 24, 2020.
Frustration with the government’s management of water distribution and water transfers in the Chihuahua has been prevalent for a long time, and the recent plan to further deplete the Boquilla dam triggered large protests, which have been suppressed by the Conagua, the national water commission. The Conagua is responsible for water distribution throughout Mexico. The commission has received strong criticism from farmers and accused of corruption, but they deny all accusations.
Due to climate change, the droughts currently affecting 52 cities in Mexico will continue to become more prevalent. Extraction of water from wells and aquifers faster than sources can replenish results in dried up water supplies. Chihuahua is already experiencing a rise in violence due to water scarcity, which is a preview of what will soon become a widespread problem in Mexico and around the world as a whole. Water scarcity may lead to food shortages, economic distress, rises in crime, and further frustrations with governments.
In the short term, the Mexican government is working with the U.S. to utilize other dams as sources of water for the transfer agreement. Long term solutions include investing in the infrastructure of dams and canals and combating climate change in hopes of limiting the growth of droughts. This approach extends beyond agreements between the U.S. and Mexico; it requires the cooperation of nations across the globe. The increased participation of IGOs, such as the U.N., and global actors—for example large businesses like Apple Inc.