Relations between the United States and Mexico have never been simple, particularly when it comes to managing water. The Colorado River provides the lifeblood for the arid American West as well as the Mexicali Valley. The scarcity of water in these regions requires enlightened policy to share the resource. However, in international relations, sharing rarely entails equity.

In 1944, the two countries entered into a historic treaty dividing the watercourses that flow through both countries, the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. Though the treaty was signed nearly 70 years ago, its lasting ramifications continue to this day. The timeline below provides an  historical perspective on events leading up to the drafting of the 1944 Treaty. It is important to understand the framework in which the Treaty was created to comprehend its legacy today.

Historical Context of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Treaty on Prezi

While it is important to be aware of the Treaty’s historical framework, it is equally necessary to measure this document against accepted international doctrines. Specifically, three works provide the foundation for international water law—the 1966 Helsinki Rules, the 1997 UN Convention, and the 2004 Berlin Rules. The principle of equitable and reasonable utilization is the cornerstone for international water law; unfortunately, it was not devised with environmental concerns in mind. Although these foundational documents do include provisions for environmental protection, preservation, and management, they are secondary to the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization.

This second timeline highlights the developing efforts to protect the environment in the face of political and economic forces predominantly governing international relations.

Historical Progression of Water Values Post-1944 on Prezi

In relation to water, the legal framework protecting the environment has developed considerably since the 1944 Treaty. This framework, however, has not received a level of priority that compares to economic and political forces governing the interactions among U.S., Mexico, and the international community.

In the coming century, new environmental challenges will arise, including but not limited to, climate change, increasing demands for energy and food due to population growth, saline soil in productive agricultural regions, and silt built-up in dams. Judging from the historical management of the Colorado River between the United States and Mexico (or lack thereof), there remains room for improvement as we move forward. 

“Unfortunately, much of our politics is based on pure selfishness of the ‘you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours’ type.”

– Ray Lyman Wilbur, Secretary of the Interior and President of Stanford University

Conclusion of International Water Values on Prezi

In relation to water, the legal framework protecting the environment has developed considerably since the 1944 Treaty. This framework, however, has not received a level of priority that compares to economic and political forces governing the interactions among U.S., Mexico, and the international community.

In the coming century, new environmental challenges will arise, including but not limited to, climate change, increasing demands for energy and food due to population growth, saline soil in productive agricultural regions, and silt built-up in dams. Judging from the historical management of the Colorado River between the United States and Mexico (or lack thereof), there remains room for improvement as we move forward.