El buzo de aguas negras: el hombre que salva a la CDMX de inundarse 💩

Summary

Julio César is a unique diver who works in the dangerous and toxic waters of Mexico City's drainage system. Along with his team, including Agustín and Jesús, he removes waste and prevents blockages in tunnels, canals, and sewers. His work is critical to keeping the city's sewage system running, especially during the rainy season when waste accumulates. Despite the dangers and unpleasantness of the job, Julio César finds fulfillment in his work, relying on communication and coordination with his team for safety. His efforts are vital in preventing contamination and maintaining the health of the city.

Takeaways

• 😀 Julio César is a unique diver who works in Mexico City’s sewage system, which is one of the most dangerous and complex in the world.
• 😀 His job involves diving into toxic sewage waters to remove waste and prevent blockages in tunnels, canals, and drains.
• 😀 The work is incredibly hazardous, as divers lose their vision completely once submerged and face toxic and aggressive sewage waters.
• 😀 Julio César and his team remove a variety of waste, including trash, dead animals, furniture, and even cars.
• 😀 Despite the unpleasant nature of the job, Julio César is passionate about it, having worked in this field for over 40 years.
• 😀 There are two key members of the team: Agustín, the radio operator, and Jesús, who helps maintain communication during the dives.
• 😀 The diver’s life depends on clear communication, air control, pressure monitoring, and the umbilical cord that connects the diver to the surface team.
• 😀 The special diving suit Julio César wears is from Norway, weighing 70 kg and designed to withstand the harsh sewage waters.
• 😀 Julio César uses a communication box to manage air supply, depth, and pressure during dives, as well as to speak with the team on the surface.
• 😀 The work in Mexico City's drainage system is critical, especially during the rainy season when sewage volume doubles and waste clogs the system, sometimes requiring explosives to clear blockages.

Q & A

What is the main job of Julio César and his team?

Julio César and his team are specialized divers working in the drainage system of Mexico City. Their primary responsibility is to remove waste and prevent blockages in tunnels, channels, pumping stations, and drains, which can include trash, furniture, dead animals, and even cars.

Why is the work of these divers considered dangerous?

The work is dangerous due to the complexity of Mexico City's drainage system and the toxicity of the wastewater. Additionally, once submerged, the divers lose all visibility, which makes their work hazardous, as they rely heavily on communication with their team for guidance and safety.

How long has Julio César been working in this field?

Julio César has been working in this field for 40 years, and despite the challenges and risks, he continues because he enjoys the job and has adapted to the difficulties.

What equipment does Julio César use for his work?

Julio César uses a special diving suit from Norway that weighs 70 kg, designed to withstand the aggressiveness of wastewater. He also has a communication system with a helmet, including a microphone and two headphones, to stay in contact with his team while submerged.

What is the role of Agustín and Jesús in the team?

Agustín is the radio operator, and Jesús plays an essential role in maintaining communication between the diver and the rest of the team. Their coordination is crucial since Julio César performs the diving work blind, relying entirely on their instructions.

How does Julio César manage his air supply during dives?

Julio César monitors his air supply through a control system that displays the status of the tanks on his back. The team also has a system that can supply additional air tanks when necessary, especially during longer or more complex operations.

What makes the diving suit different from traditional ones?

The diving suit used by Julio César is unique in that it is designed to handle the harsh conditions of the wastewater environment. It is much more robust than a traditional diving suit and specifically built to endure the toxic and corrosive properties of the water.

What is the most difficult aspect of Julio César's job?

The most difficult part of Julio César's job is dealing with the toxicity of the wastewater, working without visibility once submerged, and the heavy equipment that is required for the dive. It is also physically demanding and dangerous, as the team has to constantly monitor his safety.

Why is communication so critical during these operations?

Communication is crucial because Julio César cannot see once submerged, so he depends on his team to guide him. The team is responsible for managing his air supply, monitoring pressure, and ensuring his safety through constant communication.

What challenges do the team face in the rainy season?

During the rainy season, the amount of wastewater doubles, which increases the team's workload significantly. Additionally, more debris, including solidified waste, can clog the drainage system, which sometimes requires physical intervention like using hammers or even explosives to break it up.