As the world commemorates World Water Day on March 22, 2025, Mexico faces a critical and worsening water crisis fueled by climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and significant drought conditions affecting countless municipalities.
According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), 93% of households in Mexico had access to water in 2022. However, strikingly, only 66.5% of those homes received it daily, a dip from the 73.3% recorded in 2016. This discrepancy highlights the severe infrastructure problems plaguing the country, which has only become more evident in the face of rising drought levels.
On March 15, 2025, the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) reported that over 600 municipalities in Mexico are currently experiencing some degree of water shortage. The drought situation is particularly dire in the northern and central states, where areas such as Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa find themselves fully entrenched in drought conditions. Coahuila and Querétaro are also affected, with 60% and 50% of their territories facing drought, respectively.
In response to these alarming conditions, the CONAGUA classifies drought into five categories: D0 (Abnormally dry), D1 (Moderate drought), D2 (Severe drought), D3 (Extreme drought), and D4 (Exceptional drought). As it stands, the report reveals that there are 329 municipalities with abnormally dry conditions, 126 facing extreme drought, and 55 grappling with exceptional drought—making it clear that the water crisis is not just a future concern but a present peril.
The overarching problems of wastewater treatment compound the existing challenges. Reports indicate that in 2023 alone, over 24,918 million cubic meters of wastewater were released back into the environment without proper treatment, severely degrading the quality of water sources. The financial burden for wastewater treatment has reached approximately 66,277 million pesos, constituting around 0.21% of Mexico's GDP. These numbers are stark reminders of the necessity for comprehensive water management reform.
While the statistics can be staggering, they tell only part of the story. The ongoing and pervasive drought conditions directly impact water availability for the population, agriculture, and livestock production—key sectors for Mexico's economy. As Mexican officials recognize the gravity of these challenges, there have been calls for more sustainable water management strategies, especially on significant occasions like World Water Day.
The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) recommends a multi-faceted approach to mitigating the effects of drought throughout the country. Essential strategies include constructing robust water infrastructure, developing new dams and aqueducts, and optimizing agricultural irrigation processes. This latter step could significantly reduce water waste, particularly by utilizing real-time meteorological data to precisely time irrigation practices.
Another suggested action involves repairing leaks in water networks and distribution systems. Investments into the maintenance of these systems could drastically improve the efficiency of water delivery to households and businesses. One increasingly popular approach is the reuse of treated water, which can be directed towards irrigation for green spaces or even industrial cleaning processes.
To effectively combat the existing water crisis, Mexico’s government has also put forth initiatives like the National Water Plan, which addresses the challenges of climate change and the overexploitation of aquifers, known to exacerbate current conditions. Implementing such comprehensive measures is not only crucial but necessary to secure sustainable water access for all Mexicans.
As we look towards the future, the task remains daunting. Mexico must not only manage its current water resources effectively but also prepare for the implications of climate change that threaten these vital supplies. The message on World Water Day and beyond calls for unity among citizens, officials, and organizations to prioritize water conservation and innovatively address one of the most pressing crises of our time.
