Three-state Rio Grande dispute moves closer to resolution | Texas

(The Center Square) – A Special Master appointed by way of the U.S. Supreme Court requested the Supreme Court to approve a agreement that makes development to ensure correct distribution of the Rio Grande’s water to Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico.  

The case sought to deal with a dispute over water being unfairly siphoned from the Rio Grande prior to the river attaining Texas, in accordance to a July 18 news release. The dispute used to be principally serious about a portion of the river between Elephant Butte Reservoir in New Mexico and the Texas state line.

The dispute used to be submitted to the United States Supreme Court when Texas filed a lawsuit in 2013 to be sure that New Mexico water customers stopped unfairly siphoning water from the river prior to it reaches Texas, in accordance to a November 2022 news release. 

The 3 states entered into the Rio Grande Compact in 1938 to equitably apportion the waters of the Rio Grande. Under this compact, New Mexico and Colorado will have to meet positive supply responsibilities to ensure that water from the Rio Grande to be delivered to Texas. This settlement enforces the responsibilities. 

The approval of the Supreme Court is wanted to enforce the settlement, which used to be first announced by way of the Office of the Attorney General in November 2022. 

The settlement promises Texas receives its water, whilst additionally permitting New Mexico the versatility to correctly keep an eye on the groundwater pumping that pulls water from the Rio Grande, in accordance to the news release.