Mexico’s water crisis is getting worse. The National Water Commission (Conagua) says three states are running out of water. Chihuahua is in the worst shape, with its main reservoirs almost empty.
Chihuahua’s Water Crisis
Chihuahua’s reservoirs are below 25% capacity. Five major dams are between 0-25% full, while two others are between 26-50% full. Some areas still have decent water supplies, with three dams at 75% capacity. But this means different parts of the state will face different levels of water shortages. All 67 municipalities in Chihuahua are affected by the drought.
The state has dealt with droughts before, but this one is different. Water levels are dropping fast, and there’s no clear solution. Authorities did see some improvement early this year, but it’s not enough to fix the problem.
Possible Solutions
Officials are looking at ways to manage the water shortage. They’re considering:
- Making farming more water-efficient. This means using better irrigation systems and checking soil moisture before planting.
- Launching public awareness campaigns about water conservation. Current efforts aren’t working well, so they need a new approach.
- Building new water infrastructure in affected areas. This could help distribute what’s left of the water supply.
People need to be ready for possible water cuts while reservoirs refill. It’s unclear when these measures will be put in place.
Other States Affected
Chihuahua isn’t alone in this crisis. Sinaloa and Sonora are also struggling with low water levels. Sinaloa has 11 dams below 25% capacity, while Sonora has eight dams in the same situation and one between 26-50%.
The drought is causing a crisis in northern Mexico and could spread to other states. Industries are already feeling the effects, and the situation could get worse. There’s no clear end date for the drought.