By: Genesis Peña
This country in Latin America is on the verge of water collapse. Record heat, increasing drought and El Niño winds have pushed water reservoirs to a historic deficit, at less than 27% of their capacity. The consequences have been devastating, with more than 550 neighborhoods suffering water cuts or reduced pressure in taps. Residents are forced to resort to expensive tankers to obtain water.
If torrential rains do not arrive soon, the city could reach the dreaded “Day Zero”, when the reservoirs will stop pumping water. This would mean that even in a quarter of the city the taps would run completely dry. The aquifers, where most of the city’s water comes from, are also in danger.
Mexico City along with other cities in the Aztec country could run out of water by 2050. Photo via: Dinero en Imagen
Which Latin American country could run out of water in the coming years?
Mexico It is the country that could suffer a water crisis of magnitudes never before conceived. Climate change is exacerbating droughts around the world and urban cities are facing unprecedented water shortages. The idea of Day Zero has become a very real threat in many cities, including the Mexico City.
Experts such as José Luis Luege, former head of the National Water Commission, recognize the seriousness of the situation and are betting on a “miracle” to avoid water collapse in the city. It is necessary to take urgent measures to face this crisis and guarantee access to water for all inhabitants of Mexico City.
What are the other Latin American countries that could run out of water in the coming years?
Another Latin American country that appears on this list is Colombia in particular. Water cuts in Bogotá, the capital of this country, have generated a crisis in the city, affecting millions of inhabitants who are forced to adapt to new restrictions to guarantee the supply of drinking water. The situation has become so serious that fines have been imposed on households that exceed their monthly consumption, which has led to considerable savings in the use of water resources.
The mayor of Bogotá, Carlos Fernando Galán, has urged all citizens to adopt water-saving measures, including recommendations such as showering as a couple or limiting water use at home. Despite the criticism received for the delay in the application of rationing, the measures implemented have managed to significantly improve the water level in the Chingaza reservoir system.
The water restriction measures are expected to remain in place until October, when the reservoirs are estimated to reach the desired capacity. Meanwhile, the residents of Bogotá must continue to face scheduled outages and adapt to a new, more water-conscious lifestyle.
When will day zero occur in Mexico City?
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), it was learned that Day Zero, that is, the day when the water supply will have to be cut off due to shortages, is expected to arrive next June 26 of the current year.
The Water Basin Organization of the Valley of Mexico (OCAVM) reported that the current crisis could extend until September 2024, if the reserves of the Cutzamala System manage to recover with the arrival of the rainy season. However, uncertainty remains as there is no exact date for the onset of water shortages or for the cessation of supply.
The lack of water in Mexico City is a problem that has been predicted by the United Nations (UN), which has projected that by 2028 the water shortage will be even more acute in the country’s capital. Given this situation, it is urgent to take measures to efficiently manage water resources and prevent the crisis from worsening even further.
It is important that both authorities and society in general become aware of the seriousness of the situation and adopt measures to save and use water responsibly. The implementation of sustainable technologies and practices, as well as the rehabilitation and maintenance of water infrastructure, are key actions to confront this crisis and guarantee access to drinking water for all inhabitants of Mexico City.
