Mexico City is facing a severe water crisis due to a combination of climate change, urban sprawl, and poor infrastructure. The city’s groundwater is rapidly disappearing, with a key reservoir no longer able to supply water. Last year was the hottest and driest in at least 70 years, exacerbating the situation. The city’s population has skyrocketed to 23 million, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Severe water shortages are also being experienced in other major cities like Cape Town, São Paulo, and Chennai.
Despite warnings from experts nearly two decades ago, Mexico City’s water supply is now at a breaking point. The Cutzamala water system, which supplies 27% of the city’s water, is at a historically low 30% capacity. Officials have projected a potential “Day Zero” on June 26 when the system may no longer be able to provide water to the city. Groundwater, the primary water source, is being depleted twice as fast as it can be replenished.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has promised to address the water crisis, but some experts believe that the steps taken so far have not been aggressive enough. The estimated cost of addressing the crisis is as high as $13.5 billion. Despite efforts to improve the situation, many parts of the city are facing increased water rationing, with some neighborhoods relying on municipal water trucks for supply.
Mexico City’s water crisis has become a major issue in upcoming elections, with candidates promising solutions to the growing problem. The city’s average temperature has risen significantly in the past century, exacerbating the water crisis. While some progress has been made in addressing the issue, more aggressive and focused efforts are needed to ensure a sustainable water supply for the city’s growing population.