Drinking Water Resources in Mexico City May Reach 'Zero' by Next Month

The decrease in rainfall in Mexico has become alarming, with experts stating that if this situation continues, the drinking water resources of Mexico City, the capital, may reach 'zero' within a month. Mexico City, with a population of 22 million, has struggled with water shortages for years, but the reduction in rainfall and rising temperatures over the past three years have led to an emergency situation in the city. According to the Washington Post, the Cutzamala water system—a collection of treatment plants, reservoirs, and channels supplying water to residents of the capital and surrounding areas—is drying up. The situation is so severe that the North American drought monitoring agency classified the drought status in Mexico City as 'severe' on April 30 of this year. The day of 'water resources running out' is expected to arrive by June 26, one month from now. CNN reports that while local officials have downplayed the water crisis for several months, some areas surrounding the capital are facing depleted water reserves. The Cutzamala water system is a vital source for millions of residents in the capital and urban areas of the Toluca Valley, normally injecting 15 cubic meters of water per second into the network for the consumption of Mexico City's population. The Washington Post states that the Cutzamala system is currently operating at only 28% capacity. The drying up of this water system's reserves is compounded by the aging water network, which has exacerbated the water crisis in Mexico City, with 40% of the capital's water wasted due to leaks in the network. Local officials say that renovating the water network requires billions of dollars in funding, which is currently not feasible. On the other hand, while Mexican officials hope for rainfall, Cristina Bois, a professor at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching in Mexico City, told the Washington Post that rainfall may create a 'false sense of security.' However, heavy rainfall, if significantly absorbed by groundwater, could somewhat alleviate the water crisis. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector is also 75% dependent on drip irrigation systems and requires improvements in irrigation systems and an investment of five billion dollars to conserve agricultural water usage.