Mexico City, Monterrey Upgrade Water Systems

In an effort to offset increasing drought conditions and rapid urbanization, Mexico City and Monterrey are modernizing their water infrastructure with advanced technology from Xylem and Amazon.

The initiative, a public-private partnership between local authorities, global water technology company Xylem and Amazon, will use the Xylem Vue platform, an advanced data analytics system designed to detect leaks, reduce water loss and optimize supply. Officials estimate the upgrades will save more than 1.3 billion L of water annually, about 800 million L in Mexico City and 560 million L in Monterrey.

In Mexico City, where up to 40% of potable water is lost through leaks, the system monitors pressure in real time, proactively identifies problem areas, and adapts operations to demand. This approach prevents overuse of pipes, speeds repairs and reduces waste.

“In a water-stressed region where every liter counts, recovering more than a billion liters of water each year is a radical change,” said Jaime Barba, General Manager, Xylem Vue. Ricardo Alberto Munguía Alfaro, Deputy Minister of Operation and Efficiency of Hydraulic Infrastructure in Mexico City, described the investment as “historic,” addressing one of the capital’s most urgent challenges.

In Monterrey, the program expands Xylem Vue into two new districts, including vulnerable low-income neighborhoods prone to supply interruptions. Advanced leak detection will allow faster responses, reducing the impact on communities sensitive to shortages.

“This shows how a technology-driven approach and public-private partnerships create an immediate impact for residents, especially in communities most affected by scarcity,” said Eduardo Ortegón Williamson, Deputy Director of Water and Drainage Services of Monterrey.

The effort aligns with Amazon’s global water stewardship initiatives. The company has launched more than 30 water replenishment projects worldwide, aiming to restore more than 14 billion liters annually.

With these measures, Mexico City and Monterrey hope not only to ease the strain of drought but also to lay the foundation for more resilient, sustainable urban growth, where technological innovation becomes a key ally for water security and economic development.