On October 11, 2024, at the National Water Forum in Mexico, experts highlighted the alarming water crisis affecting the Metropolitan Area of Mexico Valley (ZMVM), where 9 million residents depend on overexploited water sources. The region, contributing 25% to Mexico's GDP, faces a dire need for sustainable water management as climate change exacerbates the situation.
Engineer Juan Pablo Del Conde warned that of the 86.26 cubic meters per second (m3/s) of water supplied, 64.33 m3/s comes from aquifers, with 27.03 m3/s being overexploited. The cost of extracting this water is around 73 billion pesos annually, exceeding the budget of the National Water Commission (Conagua).
Del Conde further noted that up to 8 million inhabitants in the eastern part of the city lack access to clean water, relying on rationing and expensive water delivery services. The ongoing degradation of water quality due to overextraction poses significant health risks and economic burdens.
Experts emphasized the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and a comprehensive drainage management plan to treat and reuse wastewater effectively. The financing of these projects is crucial, with proposals for better credit management and international cooperation to ensure water sustainability. The situation calls for immediate action to prevent a worsening crisis.