One of the world's largest cities is running out of water.

As a sprawling metropolis of nearly 22 million people and one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City's water system is under strain as it tries to meet growing demand amid unusually low rainfall, prolonged dry spells and high temperatures.

Authorities have been forced to impose significant restrictions on pumping water from reservoirs. “Some neighborhoods have been without water for weeks and it’s still four months before the next rains start,” said Christian Domínguez Sarmiento, an atmospheric scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

One of the world's largest cities is about to be flooded. Image 1 — People collect water in the Azcapotzalco neighborhood of Mexico City on January 26, 2024. Photo: Reuters

According to recent research, about 60% of Mexico City's water comes from underground aquifers (water reservoirs), but this source has been so over-exploited that the city is sinking at a terrifying rate - about 51 cm a year. As a result, rainwater is being washed away from the city's underground aquifers.

The Valley of Mexico, which includes Mexico City, gets about 25% of its water from the Cutzamala water system, a network of reservoirs, pumping stations, canals and tunnels. But severe drought has taken a heavy toll, bringing the water system to 39% capacity, a historic low.

About 60% of Mexico is experiencing moderate to extreme drought, according to a February report. Nearly 90% of Mexico City is in severe drought. The situation is expected to worsen with the rainy season still months away.

Natural climate change has taken a heavy toll on Mexico's water system. Three years of La Niña brought drought to the region, and then last year's El Niño shortened the rainy season so much that it wasn't enough to replenish reservoirs.

"Climate change has exacerbated droughts due to water shortages," said UNAM scientist Sarmiento. In addition, high temperatures "have caused the water available in the Cutzamala system to evaporate."

One of the world's largest cities is about to be flooded. Image 2 — Villa Victoria Dam, part of the Cutzamala system in Villa Victoria, Mexico. Photo: Reuters

"Day 0"

Some experts say the situation is now so dire that Mexico City could be headed for “Day Zero” in the next few months – the day when taps will run dry in large areas of the city.

In early February, local media widely reported that an official said that without significant rain, “day zero” could come as early as June 26.

The government has sought to assure citizens that there will be no “day zero.” At a press conference on February 14, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said work was underway to address the water problem.

Many experts are still warning of a water crisis. Fabiola Sosa-Rodríguez, head of economic growth and the environment at the Metropolitan Autonomous University of Mexico City, said the city could run out of water before the rainy season if it continues to use water in the same way. “There is a possibility that we will face day zero,” she added.

Raúl Rodríguez Márquez, president of the nonprofit Water Advisory Council, said he doesn't believe the city will reach day zero this year, but warned it could happen if changes aren't made. "We're in a critical situation and could be in an extreme situation in the next few months," he said.

Amanda Martínez, a resident of the city’s Tlalpan district, said water shortages were nothing new for residents there. She and her family often pay more than $100 for a tank of water from the city’s water trucks, and sometimes go more than two weeks without water.

Hoai Phuong (according to CNN)

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