MISSION, Texas - I have been a longtime grower and water advocate in the valley and currently represent over 400 citrus growers as president of Texas Citrus Mutual. The purpose of today's press conference is to call on valley residents, city, county leaders, our farmers and ranchers to unite and urge the United States trade representatives to act in the upcoming USMCA review and tie the 1944 water treaty obligations through the trade act.
Linking the treaty to USMCA would make these obligations enforceable, finally allowing the United States to respond if Mexico fails to deliver. Water availability affects this region in every way. Whether it is regional growth, the economy, the environment, agriculture sustainability, or our community's health, we have for far too long traded with a partner in good faith that simply does not return that courtesy.
Over 6 million people rely on the Rio Grande for their daily water, including drinking, sanitation and public use. Reported repeated shortfalls by Mexico leave Valley City scrambling for emergency measures during droughts. Without guaranteed water, municipal systems cannot plan or invest for long-term reliability. Rio Grande is not just a water source, it is a living ecosystem. Reduced flows lead to dying wetlands. rising salinity, loss of fish and wildlife habitat. Healthy river systems mean cleaner water, stronger biodiversity and sustainable communities across the valley. By including the 1944 treaty under USMCA, the U.S. gains enforceable tools to protect both people and the environment through trade accountability.
A proposed annex on water delivery and trade compliance would treat water obligations as enforceable under USMCA chapter 24 of the environment. Protecting the river's flow is protecting the valley's health, welfare and future. Rio Grande is our lifeline. It is our drinking water. It is our wildlife habitat and the foundation of our health. When the river suffers, our communities do, too.
We want to encourage the public participation in the USTR comment process and highlight the importance of uniting the values of voice on water security and environmental protection. This is very important.
Whatever happens to us, happens to them on the Tamaulipas side. We are in it together really. It all stems from the Chihuahua State. There are two treaties. There is the treaty of the Rio Grande and there is the Colorado treaty where the US delivers water to Mexico without fail. We just want to see the same courtesy.
Editor's Note: The above commentary formed part of the U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty discussion Dale Murden gave at a press conference hosted by the Texas International Produce Association
