Background and Relevance
The Atoyac River, located in Puebla, Mexico, is one of the most polluted waterways in the country. In 2025, significant investments have been made to address this critical environmental issue. Alejandro Isauro Martínez Orozco, the national commissioner for Atoyac River sanitation, has been at the forefront of these efforts.
Investment Details
This year, approximately 243 million pesos have been allocated for treatment plants and collectors. For the following year, an estimated 1,500 million pesos have been earmarked for further improvements. These investments aim to tackle the 2,359 direct discharges into the Atoyac River.
Diagnostic Process and Citizen Responsibility
Martínez Orozco explained that evidence gathering, including photographic documentation, is crucial before implementing technical solutions. He emphasized that the success of these efforts hinges on both citizens and industries ceasing to dump waste into the Atoyac River.
Planned Actions
- Completion of an incomplete treatment plant in 2024, estimated to cost 400 million pesos.
- Addressing 566 identified discharges from various economic activities in municipalities like Huejotzingo, San Martín Texmelucan, and San Miguel Xoxtla.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Commitments
The Atoyac River sanitation project involves collaboration among federal, state, and municipal institutions. Despite President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment to deliver results within three years, the success remains contingent on resource availability and cessation of pollution.
Alberto Jiménez Merino, director of the Puebla State Water and Sanitation Commission (Ceaspue), announced that 161 million pesos will be invested across Alejandro Armenta’s administration and 22 municipalities along the Atoyac River for sanitation initiatives.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Atoyac River sanitation investments? In 2025, around 243 million pesos have been invested in treatment plants and collectors, with an additional 1,500 million pesos planned for the following year.
- What are the primary challenges in sanitizing the Atoyac River? The main issues include 2,359 direct discharges into the river and insufficient wastewater treatment infrastructure along with ongoing pollution from industries and citizens.
- What role do local and federal institutions play in the Atoyac River sanitation project? Various federal, state, and municipal institutions collaborate to diagnose the problem, implement solutions, and ensure the success of sanitation efforts.
- What is the significance of completing the incomplete treatment plant? Completing this plant, estimated at 400 million pesos, will contribute significantly to improving the Atoyac River’s water quality.
