Day Zero: The first two cities in northern Mexico that will run out of water

Scientists warn about possible arrival at “Day zero” in Mexicothis day will come when cities will not be able to supply enough water for its inhabitants. In Mexico, concern about access to water has led specialists such as Mario Hernández Hernández, from the Institute of Geophysics (IGf) of the UNAM, to study what the first cities from the north of the country in run out of water.

What is “Day Zero” and its consequences? Hernández explains that the “Day zero“is the time when we will not be able to satisfy the water demand. This phenomenon can be triggered by various factors, in addition to which it could cause soil subsidence due to excessive extraction of groundwater, leaving the ground unstable.

What would be the first two cities in Mexico to run out of water? According to studies carried out by Hernández Hernández, in the North of mexicotwo cities face this threat: Tijuana and Monterrey.

Tijuana: A city at risk

Tijuanawith approximately 2 million inhabitants, is highly dependent on groundwater, it is the first city in Mexico that could face day Zero. However, the main source of water for the city is an aqueduct that transports surface water from the mouth of the Colorado Rivertraveling long distances until reaching the city.

“It is a city with about 2 million inhabitants that uses a lot of groundwater, which is the main source, since there is little runoff,” explained Hernández during his participation in the Geophysics Uncovered podcast, from the IGf, in this chapter dedicated to Day Zero. What is it and what are its consequences? Water management in Mexico.

Monterrey: A past close to “Day Zero”

Two years ago, Monterey was on the verge of “Day zero“. Water management in the city faced difficulties due to lower availability in the water system. dams that supply the city. Given this, more distant water sources were used to satisfy the basic needs of the population.

The situation is not exclusive to these cities. Eduardo Vega López, University Coordinator for Sustainability at UNAM, warns that All of Mexico faces a serious problem of water scarcity. The increase in different uses of water, combined with the decrease in rainfall, has led the country to a water crisis.

“Last year was the driest year since 1941, due to less rainfall and less accumulation of water flows and storage, and in addition to the fact that it was the warmest since 1953”explained Vega López.

To address this water crisis, Vega López proposes innovative public policies, focused on ecological conservation and comprehensive watershed management. It is essential to change current strategies to ensure sustainable supply.

According to Vega, López has highlighted that governments must have the priority of ensure water supply of quality in the 25 main cities of the country.

Graduated with a degree in Law and Social Sciences from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, for several years I have forged a career in the media. My experience includes notable roles as a photojournalist and co-host on local radio. In 2022, I joined the Debate team as a web reporter, where I specialize in news coverage both locally in Michoacán and internationally. Currently, I focus my work on reporting on the weather in Mexico, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as general news from the United States and Latin America, without losing sight of issues of global interest, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and climate change. In addition to my commitment to quality journalism, I have a passionate interest in women's rights and advocate for their promotion through my work.

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