One of the world's largest metropolises is teetering on the brink of a major water catastrophe. Authorities in Mexico City have announced that severe rationing measures could be imminent as the system that supplies water to millions of people is at a historic low, sparking fears of a looming 'Day Zero'.
The Cutzamala water system, a complex network of reservoirs, treatment plants, and pipelines that provides about 25% of the water used by the Valley of Mexico, is operating at a dire 28% of its capacity. This is a precipitous drop from previous years and one of the lowest levels ever recorded.
A Crisis Driven by Extreme Drought
The primary culprit behind the crisis is an extensive and severe drought gripping the region. A lack of significant rainfall has prevented the normal replenishment of reservoirs. This situation is exacerbated by the broader context of climate change, which is making such extreme weather events both more frequent and more intense.
Local officials have been forced to implement significant reductions in the water volume distributed from the Cutzamala system. These restrictions are a desperate attempt to manage the dwindling supply and stave off a complete collapse of the water network.
The Grim Reality of 'Day Zero'
While a formal 'Day Zero'—a term popularised during Cape Town's water crisis meaning the point when taps run dry—has not been officially declared, the situation is being treated with utmost urgency. The city's water agency, SACMEX, is actively preparing contingency plans for more drastic measures.
This could involve implementing a phased water rationing programme, where different sectors of the city's population would have their water supply cut off for periods of time to preserve the overall system. The goal is to avoid a sudden and total loss of water for any single area.
A Megacity Under Threat
The water crisis poses an extreme threat to the stability of Mexico City and its sprawling metropolitan area, home to over 21 million people. The city has long struggled with water management due to its high altitude, complex geology, and immense population pressure. This current drought has pushed its fragile infrastructure to a breaking point.
The unfolding situation in Mexico serves as a stark warning for megacities around the globe. It highlights the critical vulnerability of urban centres to climate-related disasters and the urgent need for sustainable water management policies in an increasingly uncertain world.
