HOUSTON (AP) - U.S. Sen. John Cornyn has demanded an international commission intervene to ensure that Mexico diverts Rio Grande water to Texas, as it is obligated to do under a longstanding treaty.
Cornyn sent a letter Monday to Edward Drusina, who heads the International Boundary and Water Commission. Cornyn says there is an impending water shortage in Texas due to water that Mexico owes the U.S.
Cornyn says a 10-year water debt between 1992 and 2002 cost Texas farmers hundreds of millions of dollars, and compliance was only achieved through direct negotiations with Mexico. Cornyn says direct discussions need to again begin.
A persistent drought has depleted the Rio Grande, and arguments over when and how much water to release from the river has increased tensions.
