Mexico has taken actions to address water stress both unilaterally and through collaboration agreements with the United States.

The current federal government administration has registered infrastructure projects that benefit 31 million people. Among them is the cleanup of water bodies, especially the Lerma-Santiago, Atoyac and Tula rivers.

It is also carrying out the National Technification Program: 200,000 hectares of irrigation with the objective of benefiting 225,000 producers.

By 2025, it plans to invest 20 billion pesos of public investment in water projects.

Another measure consists of the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability, in which 21 billion pesos of private investment is considered.

A decree will also be issued to regularize concessions and allow the population to access subsidies, credits and programs. 

Actions to address water stress

Mexico and the United States signed a key agreement on November 9, 2024. The treaty is entitled “Measures to Improve the Reliability and Predictability of the Rio Grande River Water Supply for the Benefit of Mexico and the United States”.

This agreement seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation on pressing issues. Among them, water supply, environment and water quality in the Rio Grande.

Its objectives can be summarized in three. First, to ensure greater reliability and predictability in water allocation for both countries. In addition, to create working groups on new projects, alternative sources and environmental issues. Finally, to improve water quality throughout the Rio Grande basin.

Sustainability

The National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability was published in the Official Journal of the Federation on December 19, 2024, with the objective of addressing water stress through 10 general commitments: 

• Guarantee the human right to water in sufficient quantity and quality.
• Achieve efficient water use in industrial, agricultural and livestock activities.
• Invest in infrastructure. 
• Promote collaboration between the public, private and social sectors to implement improvement actions in local environments.
• Implement efficient, organized and sustainable management of concessions.
• Develop a program for the digitalization and simplification of procedures.
• Promote technological innovation for water treatment, reuse and purification, including biotechnology and green infrastructure.
• Implement measures to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, including reforestation and environmental restoration.
• Prevent contamination of rivers and water bodies, as well as contribute to their restoration and sanitation.
• Implement an ongoing water awareness, conservation and reuse campaign.