Background on the Relevance of Mexico’s Large Dams
Mexico operates 210 large dams that collectively store 92% of the country’s surface water reserves. These dams play a crucial role in managing and distributing water resources, especially during dry seasons. The Comisión Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA) regularly monitors and reports on the storage levels of these dams.
Recent Storage Improvement
According to the latest data from CONAGUA, Mexico’s large dams have shown a 13.74% improvement in storage levels compared to the previous year.
- Total Volume: As of July 14, 2025, the total stored volume in these dams reached 59,853 million cubic meters (Mm³), compared to 52,623 Mm³ in the same period of 2024. This represents an increase of 7,230 Mm³.
- Average Storage: The average storage for 2025 is currently at 48%, compared to 42% in 2024.
Breakdown of Storage Levels
The storage levels are categorized into four ranges:
- Over 100% Capacity: There are currently 27 dams with more than 100% of their capacity, accumulating 2,241 Mm³. In contrast, only 11 dams were in this category in July 2024, with a combined volume of 1,403 Mm³—an increase of 59.7%.
- 75% to 100% Capacity: Forty-four dams fall within this range, with a combined storage of 11,353 Mm³. In 2024, only 27 dams were in this category, with a combined volume of 6,972 Mm³—a 62.84% increase.
- 50% to 75% Capacity: Fifty-nine dams are currently in this range, with a total volume of 24,959 Mm³. In July 2024, there were 41 dams in this category, with a total volume of 22,154 Mm³—a 12.6% increase.
- Under 50% Capacity: The number of dams with less than 50% capacity has decreased. In 2024, there were 131 dams in this category with a combined volume of 22,094 Mm³. In 2025, this number dropped to 80 dams with a combined volume of 21,300 Mm³—a decrease of 3.6% in volume and 38.9% in the number of dams.
Positive Changes in the Cutzamala System
The positive shift in water storage is also evident in the Cutzamala System, which is vital for supplying water to Mexico City.
- Average Storage: The average storage in the Cutzamala System’s three dams increased from 29.30% in July 2024 to 56.76% this year.
- Individual Dam Storage: Villa Victoria increased from 22.89% to 42.43%; Valle de Bravo went from 28.63% to 70.47%; and El Bosque rose from 36.50% to 43.19%. These improvements have significantly enhanced water availability for millions of people in the Valley of Mexico.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Mexico’s large dams? These dams are crucial for managing and distributing water resources, especially during dry seasons. They store 92% of the country’s surface water reserves.
- What recent improvements have been observed in Mexico’s large dams? The storage levels of these dams have improved by 13.74% compared to the previous year, with various categories of dams showing significant increases in storage.
- How has the Cutzamala System fared in terms of water storage? The average storage in the Cutzamala System’s dams has increased from 29.30% in July 2024 to 56.76% this year, significantly improving water availability for Mexico City residents.
