Water Scarcity: A Growing Concern in Mexico
Access to water, once a distant worry, has become an immediate concern in Mexico. Historical pressure on water systems is now exacerbated by extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, along with the rapid growth of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), which requires water for its operation.
According to the annual Ecolab Watermark™ study (based on a global survey in 15 countries, including Mexico), 93% of respondents in the country express concern about water access, while eight out of ten perceive a water shortage.
AI as a New Factor of Tension in Water Management
The advancement of AI emerges as a new factor of tension in water resource management. Nearly half of the respondents in the country believe that AI’s growth could worsen water scarcity.
In the 2025 edition of the study, more than half of the participants acknowledge that AI requires high water consumption and its use could divert resources intended for human consumption.
This concern adds to the effects of climate change, which already impact water availability and quality in various regions of the country.
En México, los consumidores reconocen el impacto del clima y la IA en el agua, exigen responsabilidad de empresas y gobiernos, y mantienen optimismo en que la escasez puede resolverse mediante innovación, alianzas y hábitos sostenibles.
Responsible Use of AI
Despite the identified risks, public perception also recognizes AI’s potential as a tool to mitigate climate impacts, provided its application is responsible.
In this regard, 68% of respondents believe that companies should use AI under regulatory and supervision schemes to manage natural resources sustainably.
La buena noticia es que las soluciones ya están disponibles: desde tecnologías que permiten reutilizar el agua en procesos industriales y comerciales, hasta sistemas de monitoreo inteligente capaces de optimizar consumos y reducir emisiones de manera simultánea.
Businesses, Trust, and Shared Responsibility
The study also reveals a gap between expectations and actions, as seven out of ten respondents identify the lack of clear plans from businesses and consider it necessary to support organizations that facilitate access to clean water.
For half of the participants, responsible businesses represent the most relevant driver of change in the face of the water crisis. Thus, 88% demand that governments and businesses prioritize climate change mitigation.
El agua ya no es un riesgo futuro: es una urgencia del presente. Las empresas y gobiernos que actúen hoy no solo protegerán un recurso crítico, sino que también asegurarán la confianza de los ciudadanos y la competitividad del país.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern regarding AI’s growth in Mexico? The primary worry is that AI’s expanding use could divert water resources meant for human consumption, exacerbating existing water scarcity issues.
- How do Mexicans perceive the impact of AI and climate change on water availability? A significant majority of Mexicans recognize the effects of both AI and climate change on water availability and quality, demanding responsibility from businesses and governments.
- What solutions do experts propose to address these concerns? Experts suggest utilizing AI under regulatory schemes and promoting sustainable resource management. Additionally, they highlight the importance of trust-building between businesses, governments, and citizens to tackle water scarcity effectively.
