Spatial inequality of domestic water consumption in Mexico city

Abstract

Achieving equal access to drinkable water whilst guaranteeing no discrimination constitutes a priority goal and an acquired compromise for the international agenda. However, achieving this goal has become challenging, especially in megacities. Mexico City registers 94% coverage of water supply, according to the 2020 Population and Housing Census. In 2019, per capita water consumption was 123 l/day, a supply reasonable as it is above the 100 l/day recommended by the World Health Organization to guarantee optimal access to water. However, water consumption among households is characterized by a heterogeneous spatial distribution that denotes a great inequity. The objective of this research is to evaluate the configuration of the spatial patterns that define the differences in water consumption in Mexico City's households, as well as their association with possible causal factors. This task was carried out through the spatial analysis and the use of geographic information systems. The water consumption records correspond to the year 2019 and were provided by the city's operating utility. Results confirmed the existence of two clusters of households whose location highlight areas where inequality in water consumption is present. The clusters are explained by the interaction of four factors, in order of importance: discontinuous water supply; dependence on external water sources; altitude; and the socioeconomic status of the neighborhoods. The results provide a fundamental basis for the development of water policies to mitigate inequality. Also, a methodological approach is provided to investigate water problems in large cities in developing countries, where the available literature is scarce.