Signed in 1938, with Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas as parties and approved by Congress in 1939, the Rio Grande Compact apportions the waters of the Rio Grande above Ft. Quitman, Texas, among the three states. It provides for administration by a commission consisting of the state engineers of Colorado and New Mexico, a commissioner appointed by the Governor of Texas, and a representative of the United States. The commission meets annually in March.
The Rio Grande Compact establishes water delivery obligations and depletion entitlements for Colorado and New Mexico. Given the variable climate, it provides for debits and credits to be carried over from year to year until extinguished under provisions of the compact. Accrued credits or debits are an important element of compact accounting. The engineer advisors to the compact commissioners meet prior to the Rio Grande Compact Commission to determine scheduled and actual delivery of water under the compact. The U.S. Geological Survey acts as Secretary to the compact commission under an annual cooperative agreement, prepares monthly and annual reports, and maintains the official compact commission files.
Compact Commission Meeting Information