Groundwater exploitation in Mexico: the situation is getting worse

Abstract

In Mexico, the serious problem of groundwater overexploitation is not slowing down, nor are there signs that the situation is going to improve. Of the existing 653 aquifers in the country, 157 were registered as overexploited as of 2020. This number has increased for years, demonstrating the resounding failure of water governance from all federal governments. This trend is characterised by poor political will on the matter, invisibilisation of the problem, corruption in management, an absence of comprehensive long-term projects, and weak governance - among other causes which are discussed in the policy brief. Factors such as unsustainable economic and urban growth, severe surface water pollution, and a lack of budgetary and regulatory reforms complicate the country’s outlook further. It is necessary to continue analysing the problem and to generate momentum to boost public policies and promote sustainable development for greater water security in Mexico.