New Study Reveals Over Half of Water Use in Rio Grande-Bravo Basin is Unsustainable, Threatening Water Security for Millions

Washington, DC (November 20, 2025) — A new study led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in collaboration with water resource experts reveals that 52% of water consumed in the Rio Grande-Bravo Basin is unsustainable, threatening water security for 15 million people who rely on the basin for drinking water.

The natural flow of Rio Grande-Bravo, shared by the United States and Mexico, has already been depleted by 85% due to diversions for agriculture, cities, and industries. In many stretches, the river now runs dry for months at a time. But this new report shows that reservoirs and aquifers have also lost much of their volume due to overconsumption and rising temperatures. New Mexico has lost 71% of its reservoir storage capacity since 2002, leaving communities more vulnerable to drought and reducing the reliability of water supplies. Without urgent action, the basin faces worsening water shortages for farms, cities, and ecosystems.

“This is the first full accounting of how water is consumed across the entire Rio Grande-Bravo basin. It reveals a stark reality: we’re using water faster than nature can replenish it,” said study co-author and WWF Rio Grande Manager and Freshwater Lead Specialist Enrique Prunes. “The Rio Grande basin is at a tipping point, and everyone needs to be part of the solution. These findings will help us rethink how we manage water to secure a future for everyone.”

Agriculture accounts for 87% of direct water consumption in the basin, according to the report, with more than half of that going to cattle-feed crops such as alfalfa, grass hay, and pasture. Farmers are already feeling the impact of depleted water supplies. In 2024 alone, Texas farmers suffered an estimated $500 million in losses due to water shortages and farmers throughout the basin in Colorado, New Mexico and Mexico are facing similar challenges.

"Because of our current climate conditions, all water users and specifically agricultural producers in southern Colorado are beginning to embrace new methods and partnerships focused on a sustainable future,” said Nathan Coombs, Manager of the Conejos Water Conservancy District and a fourth-generation farmer.

Despite these challenges, the basin remains vital to food production and rural economies, irrigating 1.9 million acres of farmland. It also supports extraordinary biodiversity, including more than 130 mammal species, 500 bird species, and unique freshwater fish found nowhere else.

“The good news is that proven strategies exist to save the Rio Grande-Bravo and balance our water budget. But water managers and policymakers need to acknowledge the severity of this crisis and move swiftly to implement corrective measures. The time for bold, coordinated action is now,” said Brian Richter, lead author of the report and president of Sustainable Waters and WWF freshwater fellow.

Urban areas have made progress in water conservation. Albuquerque, for example, reduced water use by 17% despite its population growing by 40%. El Paso cut water use by 6% despite 36% growth. But, as the study shows, cities only account for a small portion of total water use. Even if all municipal and industrial water use stopped, it would only solve 13% of the overuse problem.

The real opportunity lies in a coordinated set of solutions. The study points to several practical strategies that could reshape how water is used in the region, especially with input and support from local communities. These include restoring river habitats, adjusting dam operations to better support seasonal flows, improving water-sharing agreements, and helping farmers switch to crops that require less water.

“Our conservation approach in working with farmers is to listen and learn, acknowledging they have been stewarding their family farms—this landscape—for multiple generations and adaptability is what has sustained it to date,” said Cecilia Rosacker, Executive Director of Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust.

The study calls on policymakers, farmers, cities, and communities to help each other secure the future of the Rio Grande-Bravo Basin. Sustainable water management is achievable for the health of people, economies, and ecosystems across the region.

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Notes to Editors

For media requests, please contact:

Amy Fallah | WWF-US | [email protected]

Link to full report

Link to Photos and Broll