The State of Mexico is preparing for a critical year ahead in 2025 with its reservoirs at alarming levels, and the current dry season threatens to exacerbate the drought even further. Rising concerns loom over the possible scarcity of water supply in the region, particularly with the three dams – Valle de Bravo, Villa Victoria, and El Bosque – facing critical levels.
Critical Situation of Dams
The dams, serving as vital sources of water, provide nearly 20% of the region’s water, with the remaining portion supplied by underground sources and alternative systems such as the Lerma-Santiago. As the dry season progresses, the consequences of the reduced water supply become increasingly ominous.
An Alarming Reality: The Current Situation of Drought
An assessment by the relevant state authorities disclosed that a staggering 87.8% of the state’s municipalities were affected by drought conditions, while a further 73.79% experienced varying degrees of drought in the previous year. Such statistics serve as a stark reminder of the dire reality the region faces in the months ahead.
Government Intervention in Mitigating the Crisis
To mitigate the effects of the impending crisis, the state government has taken steps to address the dire situation. Key measures initiated include the construction of new wells in the capital, Toluca, as well as in its surrounding areas, improvements to water treatment plants, and a concerted effort to create awareness among residents to conserve and optimize water consumption.
Widespread Impacts of Drought on Municipalities
In the previous year, a considerable number of Mexican municipalities experienced the full force of drought, with the most severely affected areas, including those within the Toluca Valley, facing extreme conditions. For the residents and businesses operating in these regions, limited access to water exacerbated an already dire situation, compelling them to rely on costly, auxiliary piping.
An Uncertain Future
Although predictions hint at the possibility of “The Girl” phenomenon, set to occur in 2025, replenishing dam levels, uncertainty shrouds the ultimate outcome. For a region long plagued by drought, long-term solutions must include climate-resilient strategies that facilitate water accessibility for future generations while allowing for the preservation of this precious resource. The time to act is now, lest the specter of Day Zero looms large on the horizon, necessitating the collaboration of local authorities and residents alike to avoid such a critical point of no return.