Challenges of Water in Mexico: Industry, Agriculture, and Long-Term Sustainable Strategies

The water issue in Mexico is closely tied to the industrial and agricultural sectors. According to Mexico's National Water Commission (Conagua), the industrial sector consumes over 14% of the national water supply, while agriculture utilizes around 70%, leaving the remainder for public consumption.

The challenges associated with this vital resource in Mexico encompass not only the consumption of surface and groundwater but also water losses due to extraction and production processes, water source pollution, and wastewater management.

In light of this situation, Anne Le Guellec, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands in Mexico, recently stressed that addressing the water issue requires a comprehensive approach beyond technology incorporation. During the debates at the 2023 Convention and Expo of the National Association of Water and Sanitation Entities of Mexico (ANEAS), held in Monterrey from November 21st to 24th, Guellec pointed out that a long-term solution must involve a cultural shift, industry support and collaboration, effective public policies, and robust education on the subject.

Alejandro Delgado, Country Manager Mexico at SiiLA, and Carlos Garces, Sales Coordinator Mexico at SiiLA, also participated in the forums that followed the discussions at Aquatech 2023, an event sponsored by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Mexico. This event, held in September and November of this year, brought together professionals, experts, and investors from various industries to discuss challenges and opportunities in technology, infrastructure, and water resource reuse in the Americas.

The topics discussed at the ANEAS event were water treatment, membranes and filtration systems, and comprehensive urban design. Several international companies specializing in water resource management participated in the discussion, including Arcadis, NX Filtration, Van Essen Instruments, Field Factors, and IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.