River of opportunity

27 September 2017 By Antony Currie Follow @AntonyMCurrie

The two countries set aside broader trade disputes in a new pact to share the Colorado River. More cooperation gives clarity to the 40 mln people who rely on the waterway. It will also help secure the billions needed for conservation, reusing water and upgrading infrastructure.

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The United States and Mexico on Sept. 27 signed Minute 323, an addendum to the 1944 water treaty on how to share water from the Colorado River.

The latest agreement, signed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, contains several stipulations. It commits U.S. water managers to invest $31.5 million in water-efficiency projects in Mexico to save in excess of 200,000 acre-feet (247 million cubic metres) a year.

In addition, the deal provides a mechanism for the two countries to voluntarily cut water use during shortages, and obliges both to keep restoring natural habitats and monitoring the river delta until 2026. It also commits six non-governmental organizations to invest in environmental projects along the watercourse.

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