Why is Mexico City running out of water?

Mexico City is on "the brink of a profound water crisis," said The New York Times. North America's most populous city is facing the possibility of a so-called "Day Zero" this summer — perhaps as soon as June 26 — when many taps connected to the main water system will simply run dry. The looming disaster is the product of "years of poor water management compounded by scarce rains" brought on by extended drought. Some neighborhoods are already rationing water, while others are relying on water trucks to fill local cisterns. "It's scary," said one resident, "that we're running out of resources."

"The region's complicated relationship with water is as old as the city itself," NBC News said. Mexico City was built on top of a former lake bed drained by the Spanish after they conquered the region in the 16th century. In recent decades, the city's water infrastructure hasn't kept pace with its population growth — while warmer temperatures and infrequent rains have offered fewer opportunities to replenish the aquifers and reservoirs that supply the city. "We are not ready to respond as quickly as the drought is producing problems," said one expert.

What did the commentators say?

"This isn't going away," Caroline Houck said at Vox. And it's not just Mexico City. One study of 15 cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America found that many residents already live with a sort of "Day Zero" — the water supply simply isn't available around the clock. Climate change and continuing urbanization mean we'll see more of these kinds of problems. "Higher temperatures drive higher water use" after all. The challenge? "We need to stop taking water for granted and manage it better." That's a tall order: Any solutions will "require political will and money."

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"Mexico should be spending billions on water, not oil," Juan Pablo Spinetto said at Bloomberg. Under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the federal office in charge of improving water availability "suffers budget cuts despite growing shortages." Meanwhile, reports show that his government gave oil company Penmex $80.5 billion in subsidies and tax breaks between 2019 and 2023. Investing in Mexico City's water infrastructure, including replacing leaking pipes, would cost a fraction of that. This means shifting the government's bad priorities is "critical for the country's public health and economic viability."

What next?

A "water war" is brewing between the U.S. and Mexico, The Washington Post said. A longstanding treaty between the two countries requires Mexico to send water — about enough for 1 million households — from Rio Grande reservoirs to the north. Mexico has fallen behind, creating problems for Texas border communities that rely on the water. Some U.S. politicians are demanding an end to aid for Mexico until the water starts flowing. "It's an example of how climate change can complicate international cooperation."

Meanwhile, Mexico City faces the pressing problem of what to do when "Day Zero" arrives. (Some experts are skeptical it will, even as they acknowledge increasing shortages.)  Wealthy Mexicans can buy from private water suppliers, the Los Angeles Times said, but "that's not an option for most residents." Many already rely mostly on bottled water for drinking, washing and even flushing toilets. "What we are going through now," said a hydraulic engineer, "is as bad as we have seen."