"U.S., Mexico on Verge of New Colorado River Water Pact"

"An agreement amending the longstanding treaty between the U.S. and Mexico on management of the Colorado River will continue the practice of water shortage sharing, but also fund new conservation and environmental programs, and aim to reduce the risk of ruinous drought.

The two nations are tentatively scheduled to execute the agreement—Minute 323, an amendment to a 1944 water treaty—on Sept. 26 in Mexico’s Ciudad Juarez. Minute 323 will govern water flows in the Colorado River and other water management issues by extending an existing binational agreement, Minute 319, which was set to expire at the end of 2017.

The deal shows how both countries consider water important enough to set it apart from tensions that have flared during President Donald Trump’s administration over immigration and building a border wall, Stephen Mumme, professor of political science at Colorado State University, told Bloomberg BNA Sept. 22. "

Tripp Baltz reports for Bloomberg BNA's Daily Environment Report September 25, 2017.