Mexico City’s “Agua Bienestar” Program Tackles Water Inequality

Mayor of Mexico City Clara Brugada has unveiled the “Agua Bienestar” program, an initiative aimed at addressing the persistent water scarcity and supply issues faced by the capital. The program is part of a broader strategy to combat water distribution inequalities, with the goal of significantly reducing the problem by 2027. 

“We have inequalities in the distribution of water; while some areas receive 500L per capita per day, others face severe shortages. Our goal is to fight these inequalities at the root, not just with bottled water, but with fundamental solutions,” says Brugada.

She also emphasizes that the program would tackle the root causes of water distribution issues, moving beyond temporary solutions such as bottled water to implement long-term strategies including sectorization, redistribution, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices.

As part of this approach, Brugada inaugurated the Xotepingo Purification Plant, a key component of the “Agua Bienestar” program. The plant will produce high-quality drinking water, primarily benefiting communities most affected by the water crisis. “Agua Bienestar does not solve the fundamental problem, but it represents immediate support for those who need it most,” says Brugada.

The program offers affordable access to drinking water, with a 19L bottle priced at just MX$5 (US$0.24) for refills, and additional bottles available for purchase at MX$80 (US$3.85), or users can bring their own bottles. From Jan. 6, water will be available at various distribution points across the 16 boroughs of Mexico City, including Pilares and Utopias, with additional locations to be announced soon.

Brugada says that water supply issues are one of her administration’s key priorities. She also highlights the importance of viewing water not as a commodity but as a fundamental human right. “We will address water supply issues not out of obligation, but because it is a matter of conviction,” says Brugada.

Mario Esparza, Minister of Integral Water Management (SACMEX), says that the program aims to distribute around 200,000 bottles of water per week in 2025. This target will be met as additional purification plants are completed. The program has received an initial investment of MX$30 billion (US$1.44 billion), ensuring the use of cutting-edge purification technologies, including filtration and UV disinfection.

The plan includes distributing water to 738 communities, villages, and neighborhoods with the highest needs, gradually expanding to cover the entire city. Distribution points such as Utopias, community centers, and citizen service modules will play a crucial role in this effort.

The Ministry of Integral Water Management (SEGIAGUA) also launched on Dec. 12 the C5 for Water and the H2O *426 Hotline. These initiatives are designed to monitor the city’s water infrastructure and support informed decision-making regarding water resource management. The hotline provides a direct and efficient means for citizens to report water-related issues.

A major collaborative effort is also underway with private industry stakeholders. SEGIAGUA, alongside the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the Mexico Valley Water Basin Agency (OCAVM), and key private companies such as Grupo Modelo, Televisa, FEMSA, Bimbo, Procter & Gamble, and others, are working together to integrate their water concession titles into the National Water Agreement. These companies have committed to donating any excess water registered under their licenses to benefit Mexico City’s residents.