A drying-up Rio Grande basin threatens water security on both sides of the border

Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of water uses and losses in the Rio Grande-Bravo basin, which faces severe shortages throughout its range in the United States and Mexico. Findings released Thursday by the World Wide Fund for Nature, Sustainable Waters and a team of university researchers show that unsustainable use threatens water security for millions of people who rely on the binational basin. They estimate that only 48% of the water consumed in the entire basin is replenished by renewable sources like snowmelt and rain. The rest is unsustainable, meaning reservoirs, aquifers and river flows are further depleted. The report says urgent action is needed to avoid harmful impacts on farms, cities and ecosystems.