Western states seek to end long-running water dispute over dwindling Rio Grande
August 29, 2025
A feud over management of one of North America’s longest rivers has been simmering in the courts for years. It reached a boil when the U.S. Supreme Court sent western states and the federal government back to the negotiating table. The battle over the Rio Grande may be nearing a resolution now as New Mexico, Texas and Colorado announced proposed settlements Friday to reduce groundwater pumping along the dwindling river. The agreements call for retiring water rights from irrigated farmland in southern New Mexico, a region that is home to pecan orchards and chili fields. Many details — including the price tag — have yet to be worked out.