In Oaxaca, 42 percent of drinking water is lost to leaks

The director of the Organismo Cuenca Pacífico Sur of Conagua outlined the water challenges in the state during a historically hotter season.

In Oaxaca, 42 percent of drinking water is lost to leaks. |Photo: Government of Oaxaca

Redacción Oaxaca Informa

When discussing water issues, Julián Rubén Ríos Ángeles, director of the Pacific South Basin Agency of Conagua, stated in a press conference that the current temperatures in the state are "2 degrees above average", which "could translate into much higher temperatures" than expected.

As a result, water demand has increased, creating a dual challenge exacerbated by the lack of a water conservation culture in households, where only 58 percent of the available water in the drinking water system actually reaches consumers.

According to the presented data, out of 100 percent of the water that should be available in the drinking water system, 42 percent is lost due to:

Potential leaks in primary and secondary pipelines (21.08%)
Potential leaks in residential connections (16.03%)
Unauthorized and subsidized consumption (4.71%)

"For this, it will be very beneficial to promote a water conservation culture, encouraging more active participation from the public. The first step is awareness and education—campaigns, school programs, community workshops on efficient water use".

The official also emphasized the importance of implementing water-saving mechanisms in homes, training people on how to avoid waste, and promoting rainwater harvesting.

Additionally, he mentioned the need to work on conserving rivers, lakes, and aquifers, controlling water pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste, as well as extensive reforestation and restoration of watersheds.

"Regarding regulation and policies, what can be done is enforcing laws and regulations with greater involvement from authorities and citizens. This includes reviewing tariffs and increasing inspections to prevent water waste".

Government Actions to Ensure Water Supply

Conagua, Ceabien, Soapa, and Sebienti reiterated efforts such as drilling and cleaning deep wells, distributing 4,850 water tanks, and constructing the Margarita Maza Dam.

Soapa reported that in 2024, 78 neighborhoods were in critical condition, receiving water only once a month. Currently, this has been reduced to 11 neighborhoods.

Other measures include:

Drilling 3 new deep wells, replacing 5, and rehabilitating 13 others.
Restoring 7 drinking water systems and building 2 absorption wells.
Purchasing 6 trucks to address leaks, with 547 reported so far this year in Oaxaca City.
Through the Agua para Todas y Todos (Water for All) program, mobile hydrants supplied water to neighborhoods in Oaxaca de Juárez, Santa Lucía del Camino, and Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, along with the distribution of 1,100-liter water tanks.
Ceabien drilled 5 deep wells, cleaned 6 in Bahías de Huatulco, and completed 1 deep well each in San Pedro Totolápam and Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán.
Esta iniciativa refuerza el compromiso del Gobierno de México con la educación y el bienestar de las familias en Oaxaca.
Sebienti reported that out of 8,000 planned water tank deliveries, 4,850 have been distributed in the metropolitan area.

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In Oaxaca, 42 percent of drinking water is lost to leaks

In Oaxaca, 42 percent of drinking water is lost to leaks

In Oaxaca, 42 percent of drinking water is lost to leaks. |Photo: Government of Oaxaca

Government Actions to Ensure Water Supply

Other measures include:

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