Understanding the Welfare Water Program
The Welfare Water program is an initiative by the Mexico City government to provide affordable drinking water to low-income communities. The program delivers potable water at a low cost, with a garrafón costing only 5 pesos. Despite its good intentions, the program has been surrounded by controversy due to the lack of permission from the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris).
Compliance with Official Mexican Standards
Although the program complies with the Official Mexican Standard 127 for water for human consumption, the Xotepingo purifying plant, which is responsible for the production of the water, does not have the necessary permission from Cofepris. This has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the program and the safety of the water being distributed.
The Importance of Regulatory Compliance
In Mexico, any water purifier must comply with Cofepris standards and obtain the necessary permits to operate legally. The “operation warning” is a mandatory document that must be visible to the public, guaranteeing that the establishment has been reviewed by the authorities and does not pose a risk to public health. Unfortunately, the Xotepingo purifying plant has not processed this document, which means that it does not have the necessary authorization to continue operating.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The lack of regulatory compliance can have serious consequences for the program. If the program is found to be operating illegally, it may be forced to stop, which could have a significant impact on the communities that rely on it for access to affordable drinking water. However, so far, there have been no reports of problems with the quality of the water delivered, and the program has been well-received by the public.
Future of the Welfare Water Program
The success of the Welfare Water program will depend on the government’s ability to coordinate actions that ensure regulatory compliance. The dialogue with Cofepris to establish the frequency of monitoring and the necessary inspections is a crucial step to formalize the operation of the program. Despite the challenges, the program has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the lives of low-income families in Mexico City, and it is essential that the government takes the necessary steps to ensure its long-term success.