Modernizing Mexico’s Water Management with Tech, Training

Q: How does AWWA Mexico tailor its approach to address both urban and rural water management issues in the country? 

A: AWWA has over 110 years of history and operates in 35 countries, focusing on potable water supply. In Mexico, the association has been active for over 30 years, starting with Agua y Drenaje Monterrey, one of the most advanced water operators in Latin America. From the beginning, AWWA has worked on leak detection, measurement methodologies (both micro and macro), meter calibration, and water treatment. In a country facing permanent water stress and rapid urban growth, accurate measurement and water balance are crucial for better resource management.

The association participates in international conferences to strengthen synergies with organizations like the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA). AWWA has over 50,000 active members worldwide, promoting best practices in water management.

Q: How does AWWA Mexico ensure that both infrastructure and workforce meet the highest standards in water management?

A: AWWA  offers certification courses and training programs, among other services, to ensure high-quality standards in both infrastructure and workforce. In Mexico, infrastructure must comply with official regulations, not only for equipment and physical assets but also for workforce accreditation. Operators need the right training to manage emergencies, ensure quality, and meet performance indicators for certification.

Beyond infrastructure and personnel, AWWA fosters synergies, international collaborations, and investment opportunities, bridging the gap between financial resources and the sector’s growing needs.

Q: What areas should be prioritized when modernizing water management and infrastructure to address Mexico’s water scarcity? 

A: The entire northern region of Mexico is experiencing severe drought, and climate change projections indicate that temperatures could rise between 1° C and 4° C. Addressing this problem requires modernizing water operations while also influencing public policy. One major challenge is the aging workforce. A study sampling 25 out of nearly 400 water operators across the country found that the average age of key personnel responsible for water quality and infrastructure ranges between 55 and 60 years. Without proper knowledge transfer, planning for the future will become extremely difficult.

Another issue is the lack of updated diagnostics. Many aqueducts and systems have been studied repeatedly, but no action is taken due to a fundamental lack of understanding of the state of infrastructure. Effective water planning must start with precise data, modern methodologies, and clear regulatory requirements for operators of all sizes.

Q: How is AWWA leveraging advanced technology to improve water infrastructure in Mexico?

A: AWWA has been expanding its influence across Mexico, bringing global best practices to local water management. One key initiative was the inspection of the Cuchillo I aqueduct in Monterrey, which justified the construction of Cuchillo II. Using cutting-edge technology, we completed this assessment in just 10 days. We employed drone flights with multispectral cameras to analyze soil conditions, moisture levels, and environmental factors. Simultaneously, we used advanced leak detection methods, similar to those used in the oil industry, identifying over 300 significant leaks in a 100km pipeline with a 2m diameter.

Beyond technology, we also work on raising awareness among decision makers — operators, legislators, and policymakers — to demonstrate that modernization is feasible and necessary. Our approach includes remote monitoring systems that provide real-time alerts on pressure variations, leaks, and even unauthorized water extractions (huachicoleo). These technologies have been successfully applied worldwide for over a decade, proving their reliability and effectiveness in addressing Mexico’s water management challenges.

Q: How does AWWA support water operators in selecting the right technology and suppliers?

A: AWWA provides technical guidance to help operators assess the feasibility, quality, and reliability of technologies and suppliers. With so many vendors in the market, AWWA ensures that the selected solutions meet four key criteria: technical, legal, environmental, and social feasibility.

These same four factors align with the investment requirements set by the Ministry of Finance for funding allocation. In regions with high poverty levels, federal support can cover up to 100% of water infrastructure projects, making it crucial to choose the right solutions. AWWA plays a key role in this process, ensuring that operators make informed decisions that maximize efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Q: Why is asset management crucial for water infrastructure, and what challenges does Mexico face in this regard?

A: Asset management is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure. It goes beyond mapping pipelines — it involves knowing the materials used, installation dates, maintenance history, and potential failure points across the entire supply system. This includes sources like dams, wells, lakes, or rivers, as well as treatment plants, pumping stations, electrical systems, and storage tanks.

Many of Mexico’s water storage and distribution structures are aging, often exceeding their intended 30-40 year lifespan. This outdated infrastructure leads to inefficiencies, leaks, and environmental risks, making modernization a priority. Without resilient systems, cities face increased vulnerabilities to water shortages, contamination, and even air pollution due to energy inefficiencies in water distribution.

Q: Why is training and knowledge transfer essential in water management?

A: Many professionals lack the tools, software, or expertise to interpret critical water infrastructure data. Training is key to ensuring that experienced workers pass their knowledge to younger generations, improving decision-making and system management. Studies like the one conducted on the Cuchillo I aqueduct help predict infrastructure conditions using modern technology. However, Mexico is reluctant to invest in studies, as many decision-makers prefer immediate repairs. Without proper analysis, repairs can be overestimated or underestimated, leading to inefficient resource allocation.

The biggest challenge is balancing urgent issues with long-term planning. Water operators constantly deal with leaks, broken tanks, damaged pipelines, and budget constraints, leaving little time for research and technological adoption. To address this, AWWA connects global and Mexican universities with real-world water management problems, ensuring that research focuses on practical solutions.

Q: How can private investment and technology improve water management?

A: Once we have a proper diagnosis and trained personnel, the next step is implementing technology. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have proven successful worldwide in rapidly integrating advanced solutions into water operations. AWWA actively promotes these collaborations within a solid legal framework, particularly for water reuse projects that return treated wastewater to supply systems. The technology is available — we just need to solidify these partnerships to ensure efficient implementation and real benefits for communities facing critical water challenges.

Q: How effective has the National Water Plan been in addressing Mexico’s most pressing water challenges?

A: The impact of this plan depends on political will rather than technical feasibility. Mexico has world-class regulations, but enforcement remains inconsistent. A key opportunity is to standardize water management by tying federal funding to a formal diagnosis and the adoption of remote monitoring technologies. Successful examples exist in Leon, Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, and Monterrey, demonstrating that investment in technology prevents costly infrastructure failures.

Water scarcity has high social costs, including health issues, water transportation expenses, and reliance on bottled water. If we compare the long-term savings of preventive investments with emergency repairs, the return on investment becomes clear. The proposed National Water Law must set clear rules to ensure sustainability and efficiency in water management.

Q: How can water management in Mexico be improved at the state and regional levels?

A: Most states lack a unified water management authority. While some, like Nuevo Leon, have a single governing body overseeing all areas, the majority rely on small municipal agencies with limited resources and political dependencies. A state-level regulatory body can ensure standardized planning, technological adoption, and legal compliance. This entity would act as an oversight council, coordinating long-term water infrastructure projects, ensuring financial continuity, and preventing disruption caused by frequent leadership changes in municipal agencies.

Partnerships with international institutions can also provide valuable investment and technical expertise to strengthen Mexico’s water management framework.

Q: What training services does AWWA provide to local regulators, and how do these services help to enhance water management and regulatory compliance?

A: We will train new personnel at the National Water Commission (CONAGUA) to ensure they understand and enforce regulations effectively. By equipping inspectors with the right knowledge and competency standards, they will be able to identify and correct poorly executed installations that fail to comply with regulations.

Q: What key opportunities does AWWA see for water management in Mexico?

A: The biggest opportunity lies in adopting technology, particularly digital twins to simulate climate scenarios and improve emergency response for floods and droughts. This approach aligns with international commitments like those of UNESCO and the G6. The country needs regulations that ensure a minimum standard of infrastructure, remote monitoring, and measurement systems nationwide. Our goal is to establish digital twins as a national standard, integrating them into Mexico’s legal framework.

AWWA seeks to consolidate and direct efforts toward regions that face significant water strain, such as Chiapas, Tabasco, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, and La Paz. By fostering synergies and targeted solutions, we can enhance water management, including improving desalination and other innovative approaches.

Q: What are AWWA’s main objectives for 2025, and how do they align with the existing challenges and opportunities in Mexico’s water management sector?

A: Our main goal is to promote and disseminate new water technologies in Mexico. Key priorities include expanding AWWA’s membership and ensuring retention. We also aim to train the next generation of water experts, identifying and developing talent to tackle the country’s growing water challenges. Strengthening education and innovation will be crucial to ensuring sustainable water management.

American Water Works Association (AWWA) is the largest nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water. With about 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and enhance quality of life.