Are We Ready to Talk About Shared Groundwater? The Permanent Forum of Binational Waters invites you to join the conversation.
In this virtual meeting, experts will explore the shared challenges and opportunities related to groundwater in the Mexico–U.S. border region, with a special focus on aquifers management and cross-border collaboration.
Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a crucial dialogue about the future of water, sustainable policies, and aquifers management in the borderlands!
Summary: Are We Ready to Talk About Shared Groundwater?
The Permanent Forum of Binational Waters (PFBW) recently hosted a virtual event focused on shared groundwater resources in the U.S.–Mexico border region. The session brought together hydrologists, legal experts, and civil society representatives to explore the complex realities of transboundary aquifers and the urgent need for improved aquifers management.
Panelists emphasized that while surface water receives much attention, groundwater often remains invisible in public discourse—even though it supports millions of people, ecosystems, and agricultural production on both sides of the border. The conversation shed light on the lack of formal agreements addressing shared aquifers, highlighting the legal and institutional gaps that make coordinated efforts difficult.
Participants presented successful binational initiatives and stressed the importance of transparent data sharing, local engagement, and science-based decision-making. Examples included participatory groundwater monitoring efforts and innovative modeling tools that integrate stakeholder input with hydrological data.
One of the key takeaways was the recognition that sustainable aquifers management must go beyond technical solutions—it also requires diplomacy, trust-building, and inclusive governance frameworks that respect the voices of border communities.
The event served as a call to action for expanding regional collaboration, aligning academic research with public policy, and developing shared visions for long-term groundwater security. As pressure on water resources grows, the discussion underscored the need to treat groundwater as a shared responsibility that transcends borders.