Mexico | Water no longer passes through my house: a review of the current water situation

Summary

In commemoration of International Earth Day, we present an analysis of the current water situation in Mexico. This analysis highlights the geographical, sectoral, structural, and temporary characteristics that have given rise to the current water crisis in the country.

Key points

• Key points:
• Globally, approximately 25% of the population is affected by severe water stress on an annual basis. In Mexico, over half of the national territory is unsustainable in terms of water resources, while only 10.5% has high sustainability conditions.
• The agricultural sector accounts for 67.8% of total water consumption in the country, followed by public-urban and domestic use, which accounts for 14.7%. By state, Sinaloa ranks first in water consumption, using 10.6% of the national total.
• In Mexico, there is a significant socioeconomic disparity in the availability of piped water to households. For instance, 49.5% of households in the lower socioeconomic stratum receive water by turns (irregularly during the week) compared to 17.0% in the higher stratum. The state of Mexico City exhibits the most pronounced disparity, with 4.5% of households in the high stratum receiving water by turns and 80% in the low stratum in 2022.
• As of April 21, 2024, the Cutzamala System dams, which supply a quarter of the consumption in the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City, were at a monthly average storage of 33.6%, whereas previously, the average for April between 2017 and 2023 was 61.5% of their total capacity.
• Although the rainy season is approaching and with it, the supply sources can be replenished, it is necessary to implement improvements in both the storage systems and the distribution network. These improvements should also address the presence of leaks and the quality of the liquid supplied.

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