Federal Government Begins Strategic Water Project in Colima

The Government of Mexico, through the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), officially launched Agua para Colima, a major hydraulic project designed to double the potable water supply for the metropolitan area of Colima and Villa de Álvarez. With a projected investment of MX$1.78 billion (US$97 million), the initiative includes the construction of a 21km aqueduct and a modern, resilient water system that will benefit nearly 240,000 residents for the next three decades.

President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizes that projects like Agua para Colima reflect her administration’s commitment to guaranteeing water as a human right and a national priority. “We are carrying out numerous infrastructure projects throughout the country… water for all, as a human right and as a resource essential for national development,” she states.

The launch of Agua para Colima follows a comprehensive investment strategy for the state that President Sheinbaum announced in June. The federal government committed MX$12 billion (US$636.7 million) over the next two years for priority projects in health, water supply, infrastructure, education, and social programs, MBN reports.

Of this amount, MX$5 billion is earmarked for the federal Well-being Programs supporting Colima’s most vulnerable communities.

To address water scarcity, the government assigned MX$2.1 billion to the Agua para Colima program. This includes MX$1.8 billion for the construction of the aqueduct that will secure the water supply for Colima and Villa de Álvarez for up to 50 years, plus MX$280 million for an irrigation project in Armeria.

Infrastructure projects managed by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) will total nearly MX$2 billion through 2030, with MX$517 million designated for road rehabilitation and the construction of four bridges in 2025. In education, expansion plans for the CBTIS 19 high school will increase student capacity in the region.

A Long-Term Solution to Colima’s Water Deficit

Efraín Morales, Director General, CONAGUA, explains that the new aqueduct will virtually double the water supply to the state capital and resolve challenges such as shortages, intermittent service, leaks, dependence on the Zacualpan System, accelerated urban growth, and increased use of wells.

“This aqueduct will provide nearly twice the current supply. It is designed to meet both quantity and quality needs for decades to come,” Morales says.

The system will incorporate: 21km of steel pipeline, two pumping stations, a 800L/s water treatment plant, two storage tanks of 15,000m³ each, and a regime-change tank and water intake structure.

These components will form a robust, resilient, and sustainable system built to guarantee continuous service while reducing reliance on deep wells and lowering operating costs.

Construction Timeline and Early Progress

The project will be executed between September 2025 and February 2027. Materials such as the steel pipeline are already available, and preliminary work, including weld-quality tests, excavations, and ground preparation, has begun to accelerate the upcoming construction phase. Once completed, it will be able to deliver up to 800L/s of potable water, reducing system vulnerability and improving continuity of service for households across the metropolitan area.

Governor of Colima Indira Vizcaíno describes Agua para Colima as “fundamental for the metropolitan area.” Later on social media, she posted: “Today we gave the starting signal for the ‘Agua para Colima’ aqueduct, an historic demand and a strategic project for our state. My deepest gratitude to President Claudia Sheinbaum for listening to the real needs of Colima and supporting this project that guarantees safe, continuous, and high-quality water for Colima and Villa de Álvarez.”

Beyond addressing immediate needs, Agua para Colima is designed to meet projected demand for the next 30 to 50 years, ensuring long-term hydric security for one of Mexico’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. The project aligns with the federal government’s broader strategy to build modern, resilient infrastructure that strengthens quality of life and guarantees water access for future generations.

CONAGUA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering projects that improve living conditions and secure a sustainable hydrological future for the state.