• Flood protection: Over 500 miles of levees maintained.
• Water security: Ensuring Rio Grande and Colorado River deliveries.
• Infrastructure projects: Major investments in wastewater treatment and dams.
• Bilateral cooperation: U.S. and Mexico address critical water challenges together.

February 21, 2025 — Addressing binational water and border management, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) released an overview and fact sheet as a “press release” on February 19. The overview and fact sheet concerned the pivotal role IBWC plays in managing the boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico. With a mission that spans flood control, water delivery, sanitation, and infrastructure maintenance, the IBWC ensures stability and cooperation in one of the world’s most significant transboundary water systems.

Flood Protection and Water Security.

Managing more than 500 miles of levees, 700 hydraulic structures, and 20,000 acres of floodplain, the IBWC provides crucial flood control measures. The agency also oversees compliance with the 1906 Convention and the 1944 Water Treaty, ensuring fair water distribution from the Rio Grande and Colorado River.

Two major international storage dams—Falcon and Amistad—support hydroelectric power generation, while additional diversion dams help regulate flows for agricultural and municipal use.

Infrastructure Projects on Both Sides of the Border.

Ongoing efforts include:

• San Diego wastewater treatment upgrades, improving water quality along the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Tijuana River levee rehabilitation, with $115 million needed for critical flood protection.
• Nogales wastewater improvements, addressing industrial discharges and treatment plant upgrades.
• Rio Grande levee projects, aimed at maintaining FEMA certification and flood mitigation.

The IBWC also partners with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for the Texas Clean Rivers Program, ensuring water quality monitoring in the Rio Grande Basin.

Budget and Workforce.

With a $156 million construction appropriation for fiscal year 2024 and a total workforce of 300 personnel, the IBWC has been tackling essential infrastructure challenges. Additional funding priorities include sediment removal, dam repairs, and equipment upgrades across multiple field offices.

Binational Cooperation for Water Sustainability.

Through diplomatic and technical agreements like Minute 323 and Minute 330, the U.S. and Mexico are investing in environmental and agricultural conservation projects to enhance long-term water security. The IBWC’s Minute 331 and Minute 332 agreements focus on water management, hydrology, and dam safety.

As both nations continue facing drought and climate-related water challenges, the IBWC remains at the forefront of ensuring sustainable and cooperative solutions.

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Image:

Amistad National Recreation Area (the United States portion of International Amistad Reservoir) formed on the Rio Grande along the border of the US and Mexico. The reservoir is known for excellent water-based recreation and is surrounded by a landscape rich in prehistoric rock art, a vibrant border culture, along with a wide variety of plant and animal life. Unknown date, part of the National Park Service Digital Image Archives (public domain).

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