¿México se queda sin agua? 4 de cada 10 presas están a la mitad o menos de su capacidad; UNAM alerta

Summary

As the hot season approaches, water scarcity in Mexico becomes an increasingly pressing issue. Currently, only 54% of the nation’s 210 main reservoirs are filled, with many in the north and central regions facing extreme shortages. Despite some reservoirs being full, water availability has decreased by 80% over the last 75 years. Experts predict that current water management technologies could only provide sufficient water for another 50 years. The aging infrastructure and high rates of water leakage are critical concerns, with ongoing efforts to modernize and fix these issues. The situation calls for urgent action to secure water for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The water shortage issue in Mexico is growing, as the average filling level of the country's 210 main reservoirs is only 54%.
• 😀 Four out of ten reservoirs in Mexico are at or below half of their capacity, causing concern for water availability.
• 😀 According to data from the Comisión Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA), 39% of the reservoirs are critically low, particularly in the Northwest and Central regions of the country.
• 😀 Six reservoirs are at full capacity, though this is lower than the previous report, showing a decrease in water storage.
• 😀 Mexico's water scarcity problem is becoming increasingly severe year by year, with water availability having reduced by 80% in the past 75 years.
• 😀 Current water extraction and management techniques are not optimal, leading to estimates that Mexico might only have enough water for the next 50 years if current practices continue.
• 😀 There is a significant water disparity within Mexico, with some regions (like the Southeast) having a high availability of 19,000 cubic meters per person annually, while others (like Mexico City) have just 140 cubic meters per person annually.
• 😀 Water scarcity is affecting both urban and rural areas, with the infrastructure for water supply and extraction aging and in urgent need of modernization.
• 😀 40% of water losses in Mexico's network are due to the aging infrastructure, which is over 60 years old, emphasizing the need for timely repairs and updates.
• 😀 The recent launch of the H2O hotline (asterisk 426 H2O) allows citizens to report water leaks and other issues in real-time, providing a critical tool for addressing infrastructure problems quickly.

Q & A

What is the current water storage level in Mexico's main dams?

The average water storage level in Mexico's 210 main dams is currently at 54%, meaning that four out of every ten dams are at half or less of their capacity.

How many dams are at half or less of their capacity in Mexico?

According to the Comisión Nacional de Agua (Conagua), 82 out of the 210 main dams in Mexico, or 39%, are at half or less of their storage capacity.

What is the significance of the water scarcity issue in Mexico?

Water scarcity is becoming a more severe problem every year. The availability of water in the country has decreased by 80% in the last 75 years, highlighting the urgency for attention and action.

How much water availability does the Southeast of Mexico have compared to the capital?

In the Southeast of Mexico, there is an availability of 19,000 cubic meters of water per person per year, while in cities like Mexico City, this drops significantly to only 140 cubic meters per person per year.

What is the predicted timeline for water availability in Mexico?

With current technology and infrastructure, experts predict that Mexico will only have enough water for the next 40 to 50 years, due to the aging water supply infrastructure.

What impact does the aging water infrastructure have in Mexico?

The aging infrastructure, over 60 years old, contributes to significant water leakage, with around 40% of Mexico's water leaks being related to this outdated infrastructure.

How many dams are currently at full capacity in Mexico?

There are six dams in Mexico that are at full capacity, although this number is lower compared to the previous report, which showed four more dams at full capacity.

What actions are recommended to address the water crisis in Mexico?

The urgent need for modernization and repair of the water supply infrastructure, along with effective programs for water sanitation and leak management, is emphasized to address the growing water crisis.

How does Mexico's water distribution differ across the country?

There is a stark contrast in water availability across Mexico, with the Southeast having a much higher water availability compared to places like Mexico City, where the availability is much lower.

What is the role of the H2O hotline in Mexico?

The H2O hotline (asterisco 426 H2O) allows the public to report water leaks and issues in real-time, facilitating quicker response times and better management of water supply issues.