Mexicali farmers threaten to use their Colorado River water, putting Tijuana’s supply in jeopardy
If Mexicali farmers can’t cut a deal with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, the city of Tijuana’s at risk of losing its water supply from the Colorado River. For generations, these farmers – known as Irrigation District 14 – sold river water the Mexican government ceded to them for agricultural production to coastal cities like Tijuana and Ensenada. The Colorado River flows through Mexicali, but because of this deal, it’s diverted over 100 miles the coast via an aqueduct. But Mexico’s president has taken a hard stance on how the country’s constitution defines ownership of water: It belongs to the nation and cannot be privatized.
Other water rights news:
- Post Independent (Glenwood Springs, Colo.): Gypsum, Breckenridge pledge funding for Colorado River District’s $99 million purchase of Shoshone water rights
- KJCT (Grand Junction, Colo.): Mesa County seeking federal funds for Shoshone water rights
