Mexico’s federal district (DF) human rights commission CDHDF has warned that the capital’s growing water shortage could cause a “spiral of violence”. Emilio Álvarez Icaza Longoria president of CDHDF said that low-income families are paying more for water of lower quality and only receive it at certain hours of the day, a situation that is causing social unrest. “We have already seen protests in some areas, with blocked avenues and demonstrations specifically about the lack of water in the places that are most affected,” he added.

According to mayor Marcelo Ebrard, residents in all areas will see their water supply cut for a few days a week in the first half of 2010. However, the mayor denied suggestions that the water shortage would cause an outbreak of violence.Starting 1 September 2009, Mexico City water utility SACM will start imposing fines on individuals and businesses that are caught wasting water.

In early August 2009, the head of Mexico’s water authority Conagua José Luis Luege announced an imminent and indefinite increase in water rationing in the Mexico valley and federal district (DF). Luege, together with Mexico state (Edomex) and DF authorities, are looking at ways to reduce water supply by 20-25% in 17 municipalities and 16 boroughs at least until 2011.

The dams that feed the Cutzamala system are at historically low levels. “We are 20% below the average levels of the last 25 years. This means a deficit of 150Mm3 of water,” Villalón said.

Related news:

• Mexico, Mexico State (Edomex): insufficient infrastructure leaves 1 million without potable water, WASH news Latin America and Caribbean, 20 May 2009
• Mexico, Mexico City: water, sewerage services restored, WASH news Latin America and Caribbean, 14 Apr 2009

Related web site: Comisión de Derechos Humanos del Distrito Federal (CHDF)

Source: BNamericas.com [subscription site], 01 Sep 2009 ; 26 Aug 2009 ; 06 Aug 2009.

Tags: governance, latin america & caribbean, water resources management, water supply