Parties involved in the more than decade-long legal dispute over the Rio Grande water compact have filed settlement documents, potentially ending a costly lawsuit mired before the US Supreme Court. This four-part agreement addresses federal, state, and irrigation district concerns, aiming to establish stability in a drought-stricken region.
The new settlement follows the Supreme Court's June 2024 rejection of a previous proposal. That decision sent New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado back to negotiations, requiring them to include the federal government's "unique federal interests." New rules established by this new agreement will govern the stretch of the Rio Grande below Elephant Butte, a region shaped by water scarcity and agriculture.
This comprehensive agreement resolves a complex series of disputes: it establishes a new water accounting framework between Texas and New Mexico; it settles water accounting issues between New Mexico, the federal government, and irrigation districts; it ends federal claims against New Mexico's pumping; and it allows new water uses below Elephant Butte. Notably, New Mexico's State Engineer stated the settlement allows the state to maintain control over its water use while meeting compact requirements.
Ultimately, the settlement establishes a foundation for continued water use and prosperity across both states. The successful resolution provides certainty, ensures groundwater users can continue operations, and effectively ends the conflict over the Rio Grande water compact.
