U.S. and Mexico Extend Colorado River Drought Measures Through 2028
U.S. and Mexico Extend Colorado River Drought Measures Through 2028
US · Published Sep 11, 2026
The United States and Mexico have signed Minute 334, a new agreement extending cooperative measures for managing the Colorado River through
This agreement, signed on September 2, 2026, in El Paso, Texas, replaces previous agreements and introduces new water management strategies to address ongoing drought conditions and historically low reservoir levels. Under the agreement, Mexico will reduce its annual Colorado River water deliveries by 250,000 acre-feet in 2027 and

Impact & Risks

The agreement aims to mitigate the severe impacts of prolonged drought conditions on the Colorado River Basin, which serves as a critical water source for millions of people in the U.S. and Mexico. Reduced water deliveries will affect agricultural, municipal, and industrial users in both countries, potentially leading to economic and operational challenges. However, these measures are essential to preserve the long-term sustainability of the river basin. If hydrologic conditions worsen, further reductions may be required, increasing the strain on water-dependent communities and ecosystems.

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