How AWG Works: Using Air to Produce Water in Arid Regions

In 2025, Mexico experienced one of its most intense rainy seasons of the past decade. Several dams surpassed 90% of their capacity, and in some regions, flooding created the impression that the water crisis might finally ease. The reality, however, is far more complex. While the south and parts of central Mexico recorded water surpluses, the north and other arid regions continued to face growing pressure on already stressed aquifers.

Recent data from Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA) illustrates the structural nature of the challenge. Two-thirds of the country is classified as arid or semi-arid, receiving less than 500 millimeters of rainfall per year. The southeast holds 68% of Mexico’s renewable water resources, yet only 23% of the population lives there. By contrast, the north, central, and northwestern regions concentrate 77% of the population and most of the country’s industrial activity, while having access to just 32% of available water. This imbalance explains why heavy rainfall did not resolve the crisis and why many regions remain dependent on aquifers that cannot recharge fast enough to meet demand.

The recent rains offered only temporary relief. Water fell where it was already relatively abundant, not where scarcity is most acute. In regions dependent on depleted aquifers, pressure continues to intensify. Relying on seasonal rainfall to address long-term demand is no longer a viable strategy. Complementary solutions are needed to stabilize supply in areas where water availability directly limits industrial activity and community resilience.

Atmospheric Water Generation Explained

Within this context, Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is gaining attention. This technology captures water vapor from the air and condenses it into usable water. AWG systems operate independently from rivers, dams, and aquifers. Their purpose is not to compete with traditional water infrastructure, but to add an alternative source in regions where conventional systems are already operating at their limits.

Traditional AWG relies on condensing humid air, making it efficient in tropical climates. Extracting water from dry air using solid desiccants has long been technically feasible, but commercially impractical due to the high energy required to release and condense the captured water molecules.

One of the most significant breakthroughs has come from the development of advanced sorbents, particularly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These highly porous crystalline materials can capture water in arid conditions and release it with substantially lower energy input. The pioneering work of Omar M. Yaghi, Susumu Kitagawa, and Richard Robson in this field, recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, has opened the door to practical AWG applications in desert and semi-arid environments.

A Model Tested in Extreme Climates

Several companies are already translating this technology into real-world applications. WaHa Inc., for example, has developed systems based on advanced desiccants and next-generation porous materials. Its WaHa Vaporator technology produces pure water using less than 500 watt-hours per liter, with a roadmap to reduce that figure by half. Prototypes designed for industrial and commercial clients have been tested in demanding environments such as the Permian Basin in the United States, Sweden, and the Middle East, demonstrating practical and scalable potential.

Where AWG Can Support Mexico

For Mexico’s industrial and commercial sectors, AWG represents a supplemental source of water, particularly in regions where traditional supplies are insufficient or under constant stress. Much of the country’s economic activity is concentrated precisely in areas where water availability is limited or highly variable. Manufacturing, automotive, electronics, pharmaceutical, logistics, and data center operations require a stable, year-round water supply. These activities cannot pause simply because reservoir levels drop or aquifers become overexploited.

Potential applications include:

• Data centers in arid states: Ultrapure water is essential for cooling systems, and AWG can help reduce dependence on already saturated municipal infrastructure.

• Retail and hospitality: Point-of-use systems can replace bottled water in hotels, restaurants, and large-scale events.

• Off-grid communities: In rural areas without reliable infrastructure, AWG can provide greater water autonomy.

Atmospheric Water Generation should not be framed as “water for all.” However, as an emerging technology, it can deliver tangible value in industrial and high-tech applications, especially when integrated with waste heat recovery and localized energy generation.

Adopting AWG in Mexico requires a pragmatic approach. It is not a replacement for dams, aquifers, or distribution networks. Instead, it is a complementary piece of a broader water strategy, one that can help ensure operational continuity for sectors that simply cannot afford to stop.