Mexico City is grappling with a severe water shortage that experts warn could lead to a “day zero” within months, when readily available water service could be drastically reduced or even cut off entirely. This crisis threatens the approximately 22 million residents of the megacity and its surrounding areas.
Several factors have contributed to this dire situation. The region has experienced moderate to exceptional drought conditions since 2024, significantly reducing available rainfall. Additionally, the city relies heavily on an underground aquifer for its water supply, but excessive extraction has outpaced the aquifer’s natural replenishment rate. This has resulted in land sinking and infrastructure damage.
Further compounding the problem, approximately 40% of the water pumped from outside the city is lost due to leaks in the aging infrastructure. Urban sprawl, with its vast stretches of impermeable surfaces like concrete, also prevents rainwater from seeping back into the aquifer.
The situation is worsened by the city’s geography and history. Situated at high altitude, the area lacks readily available surface water sources. Furthermore, the historical draining of Lake Texcoco, where Mexico City now sits, disrupted the megacity’s natural water cycle, increasing vulnerability to droughts.
To address the looming crisis, officials are exploring various options, including drilling for additional wells within the city and improving wastewater treatment to maximize available water resources. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether these initiatives will be sufficient to avert “day zero”.
Residents are now facing several anxious months until the rainy season arrives in May or June, potentially offering some relief.