Water scarcity in Mexico

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The extent of water scarcity in Mexico is so serious that the government released an advertising campaign titled "February 2010: The City May Run Out of Water". [1]

Mexico City's hydrological paradox is that it gets more than enough rain to, in theory, keep the 21 million people who live in and around it adequately supplied with water. Its average annual precipitation is about twice that of Los Angeles, and even exceeds that of famously damp London. But most of the rainfall (or hail) comes during the summer, and often during just a few epic storms. So when it is wet, it is much too wet, and the city has built a massive infrastructure over the past five centuries to get the water out quickly. To keep hydrated during the drier months, Mexico City imports water from other regions but mainly just pumps from underground, which causes land subsidence, which makes flooding worse.

In May 2008 in Mexico, agriculture accounted for 77% of water use, industry 10% and domestic uses 13%. [2] As a consequence of the 1980 economic crisis, the Mexican irrigation infrastructure became a victim of underinvestment and neglect. Of the 82 irrigation districts present, 42 are in a state of slow deterioration, [3] : 624  exacerbating an inefficient usage of water. Furthermore, in a water-saving tax Tarifa 09, the biggest users of water by far - the farmers, were actually exempted. [3] : 626 

With an increasing population, and considerable economic activities, the Mexican residents of semi-arid and arid north, northwest and central regions use on average 75 US gallons (280 L) of water a day, compared to their US counterparts who use only 50 US gallons (190 L). [4] These regions also account for 84% of Mexico's GDP, have 77% of the population, but have only 28% of runoff water supply. [3] : 620  Such high demand factors coupled with low water supplies, means water scarcity is particular evident and serious in these regions.

Mexico is also heavily dependent on underground aquifers, as it continues to draw water from these sources to supply almost 70% of its needs. However, the rate of extraction has far exceeded replenishment. As of 2010, 101 of the 653 aquifers in Mexico are severely exploited, [5] all of which are located in the water-scarce regions. Continual draining of water from such aquifers has resulted in the city plunging some 10 meters in the 20th century, [6] clearly indicating that other alternatives are required to sustain the water supply of Mexico.

An alternative is the tapping of water from the Cutzamala dam system. Huge pipes that used to expel wastewater to prevent flooding are now being used to pipe water into the city from the dam system. [7] Water is transported across a total distance of 180 kilometers and almost 1000 meters in altitude to reach water-scarce states. [8] However, this presents no viable long-term solution either, as the dam system itself is drying up. Enduring the worst drought in 70 years, the Cutzamala basin is only at 47% of its capacity, [9] and the water level of the basin continues to fall. [4] Providing a fifth of Mexico's water, [7] the poor infrastructural state of the aged system underscores a loss of 40% or 6,000 litres of water every second before reaching Mexico. [10] Repair projects requiring M70 million have since been shelved, contributing to the standstill in efforts to solve Mexico's water scarcity problem.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drought</span> Period with less precipitation than normal

A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions. A drought can last for days, months or years. Drought often has large impacts on the ecosystems and agriculture of affected regions, and causes harm to the local economy. Annual dry seasons in the tropics significantly increase the chances of a drought developing, with subsequent increased wildfire risks. Heat waves can significantly worsen drought conditions by increasing evapotranspiration. This dries out forests and other vegetation, and increases the amount of fuel for wildfires.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Groundwater</span> Water located beneath the ground surface

Groundwater is the water present beneath Earth's surface in rock and soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. About 30 percent of all readily available freshwater in the world is groundwater. A unit of rock or an unconsolidated deposit is called an aquifer when it can yield a usable quantity of water. The depth at which soil pore spaces or fractures and voids in rock become completely saturated with water is called the water table. Groundwater is recharged from the surface; it may discharge from the surface naturally at springs and seeps, and can form oases or wetlands. Groundwater is also often withdrawn for agricultural, municipal, and industrial use by constructing and operating extraction wells. The study of the distribution and movement of groundwater is hydrogeology, also called groundwater hydrology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reclaimed water</span> Converting wastewater into water that can be reused for other purposes

Water reclamation is the process of converting municipal wastewater or sewage and industrial wastewater into water that can be reused for a variety of purposes. It is also called wastewater reuse, water reuse or water recycling. There are many types of reuse. It is possible to reuse water in this way in cities or for irrigation in agriculture. Other types of reuse are environmental reuse, industrial reuse, and reuse for drinking water, whether planned or not. Reuse may include irrigation of gardens and agricultural fields or replenishing surface water and groundwater. This latter is also known as groundwater recharge. Reused water also serve various needs in residences such as toilet flushing, businesses, and industry. It is possible to treat wastewater to reach drinking water standards. Injecting reclaimed water into the water supply distribution system is known as direct potable reuse. Drinking reclaimed water is not typical. Reusing treated municipal wastewater for irrigation is a long-established practice. This is especially so in arid countries. Reusing wastewater as part of sustainable water management allows water to remain an alternative water source for human activities. This can reduce scarcity. It also eases pressures on groundwater and other natural water bodies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rainwater harvesting</span> Accumulation of rainwater for reuse

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the collection and storage of rain, rather than allowing it to run off. Rainwater is collected from a roof-like surface and redirected to a tank, cistern, deep pit, aquifer, or a reservoir with percolation, so that it seeps down and restores the ground water. Rainwater harvesting differs from stormwater harvesting as the runoff is typically collected from roofs and other area surfaces for storage and subsequent reuse. Its uses include watering gardens, livestock, irrigation, domestic use with proper treatment, and domestic heating. The harvested water can also be committed to longer-term storage or groundwater recharge.

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Water supply and sanitation in Mexico is characterized by achievements and challenges. Among the achievements is a significant increase in access to piped water supply in urban areas as well as in rural areas between 1990 and 2010. Additionally, a strong nationwide increase in access to improved sanitation was observed in the same period. Other achievements include the existence of a functioning national system to finance water and sanitation infrastructure with a National Water Commission as its apex institution; and the existence of a few well-performing utilities such as Aguas y Drenaje de Monterrey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water scarcity</span> Situation where there is a shortage of water

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Water resources management is a significant challenge for Mexico. The country has in place a system of water resources management that includes both central (federal) and decentralized institutions. Furthermore, water management is imposing a heavy cost to the economy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Farm water</span>

Farm water, also known as agricultural water, is water committed for use in the production of food and fibre and collecting for further resources. In the US, some 80% of the fresh water withdrawn from rivers and groundwater is used to produce food and other agricultural products. Farm water may include water used in the irrigation of crops or the watering of livestock. Its study is called agricultural hydrology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water in California</span> Water supply and distribution in the U.S. state of California

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water scarcity in Africa</span> Overview of water scarcity in Africa

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water scarcity in Iran</span> Water shortage of Iran

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Sudan is a country that is half desert and much of the population suffers from a shortage of clean drinking water as well as a reliable source of water for agriculture. With the Nile river in the east of the country, parts of Sudan have substantial water resources, but those in the west have to rely on wadis, seasonal wells which often dry up. These imbalances in water availability are a source of hardship, as well as a source of conflict. While storage facilities are limited, many local communities have constructed makeshift dams and reservoirs, weirs, which help in stabilizing farming communities. Farmers also utilize hafirs to store rain water which falls in the rainy season, but groundwater remains a vital source of water for over 80% of Sudanese people. For decades, political instability has led to terrible conditions and thwarted many projects and relief efforts, but aid is making its way through. Several water infrastructure projects have been enacted in recent years, with both domestic and international sources of funding. Funding from the UN has provided 9,550 local farmers with better access to water and fertile soils. A project which also plans to replant forest cover in the wadi to reverse desertification.

References

  1. ↑ Krebs M, 2009. "Water shortage in Mexico City could echo the global water issue", Digital Journal. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  2. ↑ Taylor J, 2008. "Water Crisis: Availability Of Water In Mexico", Mexconnect. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  3. 1 2 3 Giugale M, 2001. "Mexico, A Comprehensive Development Agenda for the New Era". The World Bank
  4. 1 2 Casey N, 2009. "Weather Worsens Mexico City's Water Shortage", Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  5. ↑ National Water Commission of Mexico, 2010. "Statistics on Water in Mexico, 2010 edition" Pg 20. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  6. ↑ Sample I, 2004. "Why is Mexico City Sinking?", The Guardian. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  7. 1 2 Ellingwood K, 2009. "Mexico water shortage becomes crisis amid drought", Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  8. ↑ Easter, K William, 1998. Markets for Water, Potential and Performance Page 2, Kluwer Academic Publisher
  9. ↑ Grillo I, 2009. "Dry Taps in Mexico City: A Water Crisis Gets Worse", TIME. Retrieved 10 September 2011
  10. ↑ Andrea A, 2011. "Water Loss: 6000 Liters Per Second!". Retrieved 10 September 2011
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