COPARMEX Calls for Urgent Action to Address Water Crisis

Mexico City needs an approximate investment of MX$70 billion (US$4.1 billion) to maximize the use of drinking water sources, as well as to guarantee the quality of the liquid and improve the distribution network, reported the Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX) local branch.

COPARMEX underlined the colossal demand for water in the Valley of Mexico, home to over 22 million people, which spans across domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Experts estimate that up to 40% of potable water is lost due to leaks in Mexico City's distribution networks. This situation could pose a significant threat to national security, potentially leading to a public health crisis with severe repercussions for the city's economic development and environmental sustainability, highlighted the organization.

In response to this pressing issue, COPARMEX proposed the creation of the #WaterForTheFuture Agreement. This initiative aims to establish a political and budgetary commitment between the Federal Government, the City of Mexico, and various sectors including business, social, and academic entities. The goal is to secure a minimum investment of MX$70 billion to address water loss in the distribution network through infrastructure rehabilitation, modernization, meter installation, and leak detection and repair.

Gabriel Aguirre, Vice President of Communication and Public Strategy, COPARMEX, explained that the investment estimate is based on a 2018 study conducted by Mexico City’s Water System (SACMEX). At that time, it was projected at MX$53 billion, but at current prices in 2024, it amounts to around MX$70 billion. This amount is broken down into approximately MX$17 billion designated for tapping into local water sources, MX$3 billion for ensuring potable water availability, and the bulk of MX$50 billion earmarked for improving the drinking water network, explained Aguirre in an interview with El Economista.

COPARMEX emphasized that the agreement could be coordinated by the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESA) of Mexico City, with technical support from institutions such as the UNAM School of Engineering and the IPN Area of Hydraulic Engineering, as well as other private universities and specialized institutes.

Additionally, the organization listed other essential proposals to address the water crisis in the country's capital. These include fostering a new water culture through awareness campaigns and education on efficient usage, implementing fair tariff structures that reflect the true cost of water, and offering incentives for efficient water usage. Furthermore, COPARMEX noted the importance of promoting the use of wastewater capture and treatment technologies and reforming the National Water Law and its regulations to strengthen the foundations of the state's water management.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, COPARMEX urged presidential candidates, the city mayor, and the Federal and Local Congresses to include water issues as an urgent priority in their proposals. Likewise, the organization emphasized the need for robust public-private collaboration. "It is crucial to adopt a perspective that does not stigmatize private investment, as it plays a fundamental role in the city's competitiveness," underscored Aguirre.