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Mexico Water Scarcity

Water Scarcity in Latin America–Mexico

Bailey Rodriguez

Water Scarcity in Latin America– Mexico

Water scarcity is an increasingly pressing issue in Latin America that negatively affects many countries including Mexico, which is one of the most significant countries affected. These countries face crucial challenges in water management, affecting many communities, wildlife, and vegetation. Climate change, ineffective agriculture practices, and urbanization are key factors in modern society that heavily contribute to water scarcity. 

Causes of Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is caused by many factors and continues to increase even more as time goes on. Specifically, climate change plays a huge role in impacting water scarcity in Latin America. For example, climate change has resulted in irregular precipitation patterns, such as extended drought periods. 

Therefore, the regions experiencing these droughts also experience dyer conditions that limit the amount of moisture in the air to help vegetation, as well as overall actual water provided in bodies of water. Lakes, rivers, and ponds, for example, deplete very outstandingly as a result. Many communities that rely on local water resources are significantly impacted. Coincidentally, this factor not only affects Latin America, but also other countries around the world, highlighting its importance and severity. 

As disclosed by Haley Thiem through NOAA Climate.gov, in 2014, Mexico experienced the highest drought and heat waves ever recorded. Specifically, in May 2024, Mexico experienced the highest levels of heat, negatively impacting more people than their previous record amount in 2011. In 2011, only the northern portion of Mexico was affected, whereas today, both the central and southern portions are affected. As a result, Mexico is experiencing significant “water scarcity, agriculture concerns, and worsened heat waves”. In a post made by  NOAA Climate.gov, a map demonstrates Mexico’s history of drought from 2011 to 2024. 

 

 

 

 

Agriculture also plays a big role in impacting water scarcity. Traditional irrigation practices are prone to wasting increased amounts of water. Industrial discharge and runoff heavily pollute lakes and rivers that are normally used as resources for freshwater. With urbanization increasing at a significant rate worldwide, pollution in these ways is nearly unavoidable.

As outlined by Aimee Gabay through Mongabay.com, an IPES-Food report reveals how agribusiness and investors are taking control of water in Latin America. They do this by purchasing water and even land as a way to grow water-intensive crops. As a result, this water loss takes away from local farmers and communities, creating a water crisis to those already experiencing shortages. Many residents have been forced to move away or buy water at very high prices now due to its high demand. Viviana Catrileo Epul, the director of Chile’s National Association of Rural and Indigenous Women (ANAMURI), describes how “it is becoming more and more difficult to produce food in rural communities through peasant farming because there is no water”. She emphasizes how “the advance of monocultures and extractivism is so strong and ferocious that it is leaving us without water.”

In the face of climate change and global water scarcity, agribusiness and investors view access to water as a major asset. Aimee Gabay concludes how these agribusinesses and investors are increasingly focusing on acquiring land with freshwater sources, coastal access, and forests, aiming to quickly capitalize on these resources. 

Rapid urbanization growth, specifically in countries such as Mexico, lead to rapid industrialization that escalates the need for water even more. Therefore, already established freshwater facilities or bodies of water have intensified pressures. This occurs through processes such as agribusinesses over-extracting groundwater and land. In relation, increased agriculture demand has been a result of industrialization and urbanization as agriculture expands for growing populations. 

Experts often blame climate change and extreme heat for Mexico’s particular crisis. Whereas others also blame companies that pay for unlimited water, allowing for corruption. Mongabay.com reports that changes in Mexico’s climate and water supply have occurred in the past 60 years due to “deforestation of the highlands, loss of restoration areas and urbanization”, which ignores minimum water balances caused by real estate development. 

Effects of Water Scarcity

Water Scarcity undoubtedly has many harmful effects on communities, wildlife, and vegetation in Latin America. Agriculture plays a very important role in impacting water scarcity. For instance, agriculture practices use up a noticeable amount of water and are particularly very reliant on it. As urbanization occurs, so does agriculture. 

Water scarcity creates irregular supply, which forces communities to become dependent on other resources that are typically more challenging. Therefore, poorer communities are most heavily affected. With a lack of access to safe water, marginalized communities are more prone to increased health risks. 

Many Mexican residents have been protesting the severe water shortages caused by climate change, outdated infrastructure, and low rainfall. Cassandra Garrison reports through Reuters that Mexico city is “one of Latin America’s largest cities” that actively struggles “after years of low rainfall blamed on climate change, as well as chaotic urban growth and outdated infrastructure”. 

 

 

 

 

In another post made by Reuters, Mexico City residents “gather their buckets waiting for a water truck amid a water crisis”. This further demonstrates the daily struggles that many Mexican communities experience regarding water scarcity. 

Not only people, but natural entities, such as bodies of water and vegetation are also affected by water scarcity. For example, lakes and rivers experience decreased water levels, which disrupt ecosystems and endangered species reliant on them. Many forms of evetain, including forests, also affect wildlife with the depletion of water. Periods of drought dry up forests, causing a lot of plants to die. Then the wildlife dependent on those plants are also at risk of extinction due to their food being depleted. Essentially, it is an unfortunate chainreaction of events that will continue to increase even more through time without addressing the issue. 

Indigenous Voices 

As described by Aimee Gabay through Mongabay.com the Yaqui Tribe views the well-known Yaqui River as a sacred body of water. The Yaqui River is often drained as a result of overexploitation, which heavily affects the Yaqui Tribe. The article states that the “Yaqui Valley, is experiencing a deadly heat wave, drought and water shortages”, which contributes to the depletion of the Yaqui River. 

For years, the Yaqui Tribe has struggled to maintain the Yaqui River. Aimee Gabay states that “for the Yaquis, the river represents much more than production and profits. It is not just a resource needed during such a time of drought; it is sacred”.

Mario Luna Romero, a Yaqui Tribe member, led a campaign against construction of the Independencia Aqueduct in Mexico. This would significantly decrease the Yaqui River’s waters, causing it to no longer reach the Yaqui Territory. With the river already experiencing very low water levels, it is a huge loss to those dependent on it. Mario Luna Romero explains how the river has always “been a connection with the spiritual”. He emphasizes the importance of the Yaqui River as something much more than just a water supply, but a way to communicate with loved ones and gods due to “its ability to evaporate”. 

 

 

“You start to lose the love for your territory and the fight,” he said. “How can you fight for, love and defend something you can’t see?” –Mario Luna Romero

 

 

As disclosed by Amigzaday López Beltrán through Mongabay.com, residents of Xalapa, the capital of Veracruz, are also experiencing similar challenges of worsening water shortage. This leaves residents with no access to daily household water for washing and cleaning. The water shortages are essentially caused by a variety of circumstances. 

Amigzaday López Beltrán emphasizes how the Martinez Family is also directly affected by water shortages in Mexico. For example, like many other families in the community, they have made a choice to no longer shower and only flush the toilet when necessary. They also made it a priority to recycle water when cleaning or washing, and only buying water when they completely run out. The cost of a water tank is far too expensive for them to afford, forcing them to resort to these options. 

The World Resources Institute predicts that by 2050, 40-80% of Mexico’s population will experience high water stress in their lifetime. Esther Esparza, a resident of Campo de Tiro, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Xalapa, reveals to Mongabay.com that “in 2023, they had only one out of eight water days”. In 2022, 6 million residents in Mexico did not have access to drinking water, while 11 million did not have access to sanitation. 

 

 

“By 2050, between 40% and 80% of Mexico’s population will live with high water stress, according to the World Resources Institute. Image via WRI” –Mongabay.com

 

 

As reported by Amigzaday López Beltrán, Ordoñez Diaz stresses that the struggles of water shortages in Mexican cities will continue to increase. This would not only cause communities to suffer, but also livestock, energy, food, and crops. This lack of water will continue to lead to more frequent and violent protests from indigenous peoples and communities. 

 

 

“Mexico itself is facing water shortages in 30 of its 32 states, forcing residents to purchase and recycle water, postpone baths and protest against authorities” –Amigzaday López Beltrán via Mongabay.com

 

 

Latin America’s Current Efforts

On March 11th 2024, the IV Edition of the Regional Water Dialogues for Latin America and the Caribbean was held in Costa Rica to advance sustainable water management through SDG 6. According to Cepal.org, the event included high-level ministers, stakeholders, and officials that contributed to addressing the need for inclusive governance and innovative solutions. It highlighted high-level presentations that emphasized the importance of water in Latin America and it addressed the issue of water scarcity. 

As reported by Cepal.org, Mr. José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, the Executive Secretary of ECLAC, underscores how water is essential for both life and achieving sustainable development in Latin America. Similarly, Mr. Manuel Otero, the Director General of IICA, emphasized the need for water being “fundamental for sustainable development and life itself”. He states that, “Water is central, a priority defined by authorities for establishing partnerships. Therefore, everything that facilitates dialogue, exchanges knowledge, and promotes the implementation of innovative solutions is key”. Mrs. Doris Gutiérrez, the Presidential Designate of Honduras, addresses the women’s role in water-related issues. She declared that “women have the strength to give life, and we must be proactive in water management”.

Additionally, Cepal.org reveals that Mr. Arnoldo André Tinoco, the Foreign Minister of Costa Rica, highlighted the importance of achieving SDG 6, which aims “for universal access to drinking water and adequate sanitation services”. As a result, the Regional Group of Experts on Water Resources organized 8 sessions with the Dialogues that focused on identifying solutions to advance the achievement of SDG 6 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The outcomes of these sessions relate to the voluntary commitments under the 2023 Regional Water Action Agenda, which is a collaborative roadmap that promotes sustainable and inclusive transition. It is a huge accomplishment for Latin America, and a foundation for how they move forward. 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum

One June 2nd, 2024, Mexico elected their first woman and climate scientist president. Throughout her election, she advocated for environmental justice and climate change action. Her extensive background as a climate scientist has allowed her to understand and address the issue of water scarcity in Mexico. Before being elected, she made a post on February 10th, 2024, demonstrating her initiatives in addressing water scarcity. 

 

 

 

 

On June 16th, 2024, after being elected the president of Mexico, she made a post highlighting the Healthy Water project, which will provide safe drinking water to the La Laguna region. She underscores the importance of water being a human right to all and reveals her initiatives moving forward as president.

Change Must Continue

What many do not think twice about having access to, is an everyday, life-threatening struggle to another. Many communities in Latin America are negatively affected by water scarcity, and it usually gets unnoticed, Therefore, it is essential to understand the hardships many Latin communities face on a daily basis. Water is a human right, and many humans do not have easy access to that right. 

Sustainable water management practices and implements must be carried out in order to correctly develop water use and the reduction of waste. Out-dated infrastructure must be replaced with modernized irrigation systems that guarantee water accessible resources for all. By prioritizing conservation and sustainable efforts by recycling, water pollution is further prevented. 

Above all, it is crucial to addressing water scarcity as an important and life threatening issue to all living things on Earth, especially, Latin America. It has become both an environmental issue, and socioeconomic disparity. Therefore, it is essential to implement equal and equitable access to safe water through suitable measures. To be considered politically, water scarcity has to become addressed in unison by society and through government. However, it all starts with educating others of the severity and why we need to make change. 

 

 

Image Credit: Omar Zetina/Pexels.

 

 

Bailey Rodriguez | Environmental Correspondent

Hello, I am Bailey Rodriguez, I am an undergraduate studying Geography and Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles. Through my education, I have accrued meaningful knowledge and cultivated a sincere interest in the realms of human, urban, cultural, and environmental geography, providing me with a solid understanding of the interconnectedness between human societies, nature, and the wellbeing of our planet. Throughout my life, I have embraced my passion for human rights, minority representation, and the promotion of equality, equity, inclusivity, and justice. I will leverage my devotion to these values and goals into my work as an intern. I am extremely excited to serve as an Environmental Correspondent for Latina Republic. As a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental causes, I am particularly interested in exploring the complex connection between environmental and human rights, including deforestation, climate change, and wildlife conservation in Latin America. I believe that addressing deforestation, particularly in the Amazon rainforest, is crucial for raising awareness about its ongoing impact on climate change and the livelihoods of communities and wildlife dependent on it. My intention is to conduct extensive research on how climate change significantly affects Latin American communities and why urgent action is needed. I plan on hearing the perspectives of those living in Latin America, especially those directly affected by the Amazon rainforest. Additionally, I plan to advocate and research for political actions aimed at ending deforestation and lessening climate change in Latin America. My goal is to raise awareness about these pressing issues and to explore sustainable and effective solutions through collaboration and community engagement.

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