Mexico City, one of the world’s biggest cities that serves as home to nearly 22 million inhabitants, is not facing a pressing water crisis, which is further accentuated by a complex interplay of numerous factors. The challenges stem from geographical constraints, deteriorating infrastructure, chaotic urban development, all compounded by the impacts of climate change.
If reports are to go by, this region has been facing prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, further extended dry spells, and elevated temperatures have strained an already burdened water system grappling with surging demand. Consequently, authorities have gone ahead to implement substantial restrictions on water extraction from reservoirs.
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Despite politicians downplaying the severity of the situation, experts, including atmospheric scientist Christian Domínguez Sarmiento from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), warn that Mexico City is on the brink of a potential “day zero” scenario in a matter of months. This ominous prospect arises from critical water shortages that have plagued several neighborhoods for weeks, further made worse by the anticipation of four more months before the rainy season begins.
Mexico City’s precarious situation is deeply rooted in its historical development. Originally built on a high-altitude lake bed, the city, situated around 7,300 ft above sea level, has been facing challenges, such as sinking due to clay-rich soil, seismic vulnerabilities, and heightened susceptibility to climate change. The city’s expansion over the years has witnessed the transformation of wetlands and rivers into concrete and asphalt, resulting in flooding during the rainy season and drought in the dry season.
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As per the records, approximately 60% of Mexico City’s water is sourced from its over-exploited underground aquifer, contributing to the city’s alarming subsidence rate of around 20 inches per year.
The remaining water supply is inefficiently pumped over long distances from external sources, with nearly 40% lost through leaks. The Cutzamala water system, vital for supplying about 25% of the city’s water, currently languishes at around 39% of its capacity, a historic low that has been caused by severe drought.
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According to a February report, around 60% of Mexico is experiencing moderate to exceptional drought, with nearly 90% of Mexico City facing severe drought conditions. The city’s vulnerability is heightened by its susceptibility to natural climate variability, marked by La Niña-induced droughts and El Niño contributing to inadequate rainy seasons.
The looming water crisis prompts a debate about the possibility of reaching “day zero,” where the Cutzamala system’s water levels plummet to the extent of being unable to cater to the city’s needs.
Despite conflicting statements, concerns persist among experts, with warnings that Mexico City could exhaust its water supply before the onset of the rainy season. While it may not lead to a complete collapse of the water system, the impact will be substantial, leaving many residents without sufficient water access. The urgency to address this critical situation is underscored by experts who stress that changes must be implemented promptly to avert an impending extreme scenario in the coming months.