Shallow Waters — Quartz

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Climate change is already driving water scarcity, a global problem that transcends politics, nationality, borders—and demands a solution that does the same. Shallow Waters investigates the Texas-Mexico border, one of the fastest-growing regions in North America, and a microcosm of a larger story of climate-change conflict, where our survival depends on cross-border cooperation.

Illustration by Llew Mejia

Illustration of two men, one American, one Mexican, trying to paddle a boat on a drying river.

In a warming world, the fight for water can push nations apart—or bring them together

Illustration of the US-Mexico border wall planned by Donald Trump.

FENCED IN AND FLOODED OUT

The US-Mexico border wall’s dangerous, costly side-effect: enormous floods

Illustration of the endangered species of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

DESTRUCTION BY CONSTRUCTION

Trump’s border wall could decimate these rare species

Illustration of the "hidden" groundwater that crosses the Texas-Mexico border.

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF WATER

There’s a time bomb for US-Mexico relations ticking underground

Illustration of how water is used in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

BORDERING ON EMPTY

One of the fastest-growing regions of the US could run out of water

Illustration of irrigated fields in South Texas.

NOT-SO-MAGIC VALLEY

How Anglo farmers brought an end to Latino ranching in the Rio Grande Valley

Illustration of what the next Southwestern US megadrought might look like.

THE NEXT BIG ONE

North America hasn’t had a megadrought in recorded history. It could be overdue

Illustration of a desalination plant in Texas

Dams and reservoirs can’t save us. This is the new future of water infrastructure.

Illustration of direct potable reuse in El Paso, Texas

A major US city will start drinking its own sewage. Others need to follow.