Mexico water levels show regional variation amid treaty tensions

Water reservoir levels in several Mexican regions are showing varying trends due to recent rainfall. In Sonora, the National Water Commission (Conagua) reported that dam storage has reached 26.1% capacity, a significant increase from the 14-15% seen during the same period last year, reducing the immediate risk of moderate drought.

In Jalisco, Lake Chapala has reached 69.48% capacity, rising from approximately 63.2% at the start of the rainy season. This recovery improves the water supply outlook for the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area.

Conversely, officials in Chihuahua are addressing tensions regarding the 1944 International Water Treaty with the United States. Mario Mata Carrasco, director of the Junta Central de Agua y Saneamiento, stated that Chihuahua does not owe water to the US and that current reservoir levels are very low. He emphasized that water in Chihuahua's dams is prioritized for local agricultural producers. Santiago De la Peña Grajeda, Secretary General of Government, urged the population to remain vigilant, noting that while Conagua has denied plans to extract 300 million cubic meters from local dams to satisfy treaty obligations, previous instances of inconsistent official communication warrant caution.