Mexico City To Develop Water Infrastructure Projects

As part of Mexico City’s strategy to confront droughts and water shortages announced by the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), Mexico City’s Water System (SACMEX) is to launch national tenders for the construction and upgrading of water infrastructure.

The reduction of rain water that CONAGUA collected during 2020, 2021 and 2022 led to low levels in the storage dams of the Cutzamala system, one of the most important water sources for the Valley of Mexico. This situation forced CONAGUA, along with SACMEX and the Water Commission of the State of Mexico (CAEM), to reduce the water supply to 12 municipalities in Mexico City and 13 municipalities in the State of Mexico. Starting August 15 Mexico, City received only 8,200L/s, a reduction of 550L/s compared to the previous supply of 8,750L/s. 

In response to the reduction, SACMEX announced it will launch a tender to revamp and construct water infrastructure. This project includes the restoration of 17 wells and round-the-clock monitoring of wells, as well as 18 permanent 32 additional water pumps 

According to tender posted in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF), participating companies must have a total equity of US$1.4 million during the first stage of development. SACMEX stated that interested companies can review complementary documentation at the Subdirection for Public Works and Water Tenders. According to local authorities, works are intended to start Sep. 9, 2022 and finish around April 30, 2023.

SACMEX specified that companies must meet some requirements: an acceptance letter for their participation in the tender process must be written on letterhead paper and contain contact information. Companies must also prove that they are from Mexico. It is possible for players to participate in more than one project as long as they prove that they have sufficient personnel and equipment. 

Water scarcity became a major concern for Mexico’s northern states, affecting citizens and companies alike, with the latter having hand over part of their water supply to the population. Some companies said they are worried that water scarcity may lead to closures. Regions like the Valley of Mexico are concerned that this issue may occur in the center of Mexico, too. Therefore, the governments of Mexico City and the State of Mexico will present an integral Drinking Water Plan aiming to increase the water supply in the short and middle term.