Mexico City's water crisis intensifies amid heatwave and poor management
Mexico City, home to nearly 22 million people, faces an acute water shortage, with many residents going days to weeks without water. The situation is described as unprecedented by the city's water system director, Rafael Carmona.
Li Cohen reports for CBS News.
In short:
- The Cutzamala System may fail by June 26, potentially leaving the city without water until September.
- High temperatures and diminished rainfall over the past years have exacerbated water storage issues, with local dams at critically low levels.
- Mismanagement, including widespread leaks and affluent areas retaining private water bodies, contributes significantly to the shortage.
Key quote:
"We understand that it is a global water crisis, but this is something that we are experiencing here, and we are living it up close. It is very, very worrying because hundreds of families are being affected."
— Michelle Nunez, Valle de Bravo municipal president
Why this matters:
The water crisis in Mexico City could force citizens to alter daily hygiene practices by limiting access to clean water. This local issue reflects a global water crisis, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management and climate action.
