Cutzamala Water Reservoir Surpasses 65% Capacity

Heavy rains in recent months have boosted water levels in the Cutzamala System to nearly double those recorded in 2024, easing water shortages concerns for a region that endured one of its driest years on record.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said that the abundant rainfall means residents will not face a water crisis next year. “With so much rain over the Cutzamala reservoirs, we are not going to suffer from a lack of water,” Brugada said during a news conference.

The system, which supplies a significant portion of the capital’s water, is now at 65% capacity, or more than 500 million m3, according to José Mario Esperanza, Minister for Water Management, Mexico City. Levels are up from 36.5% compared to 2024, when storage stood at about 285 million m3.

“This is very good news,” Esperanza said. “It is a little more than double the water we had at this time last year, thanks to this very intense rainy season.”

Rainfall levels vary widely across the main collection areas. As of Aug. 10, Villa Victoria had received 101.8mm, Valle de Bravo 22.2mm, and El Bosque 15mm, bringing the reservoirs’ combined storage to 64.41% of capacity.

Esperanza added that 2025 is on track to be Mexico City’s wettest year since 1982. June saw 231mm of rain, nearly double the long-term monthly average of 126mm, while August is already halfway to its historical average before reaching mid-month.

Officials warned that more heavy rains are likely in the coming weeks. “We are not exempt from unusual weather events,” Esperanza said, citing recent downpours that set new records at local hydrometric stations.