Background on the Issue
The State of Mexico has experienced a decline in water supply between 2022 and 2024. Following more than 12 hours of road blockades that disrupted key transportation routes and access to Mexico City, owners of water purification systems and operators of tanker trucks (pipas) lifted their protests after reaching an agreement with state authorities to review closed wells during the “Caudal” operation.
Protests and Impact
The protest affected municipalities such as Ecatepec, Nezahualcóyotl, Chimalhuacán, Los Reyes La Paz, Texcoco, and Chicoloapan, as well as some points in Mexico City. The protest was a direct response to the closure of at least 51 wells and 138 illegal taps by the State of Mexico Fiscalia, Conagua (National Water Commission), and federal forces in an operation against the illegal water trade, known as “huachicol.”
Key Players and Their Roles
Daniel Chavarría, representing purification system owners in the eastern Valley of Mexico, stated that the agreement includes reviewing closed wells and the origin of water supplying the tanker trucks, as well as resuming supplies to formal businesses.
Ricardo Chávez, a tanker truck operator in Ecatepec, explained to El Economista that authorities recognized the services not only cater to private homes but also support purification systems, hotels, restaurants, and laundromats that entirely depend on this water supply.
Government Response and Concerns
Chávez mentioned that the protests aimed to make the federal and state governments understand that they are not involved in illegal activities but are hardworking individuals. He also highlighted the government’s warning that piperos could face fines of up to 12 million pesos if caught transporting water without proper documentation.
The government committed to reactivating the wells starting that day and removing existing seals at some supply points. A new agreement proposal aims to regulate water extraction by setting limits on liters per well and establishing bombing hours, along with requiring tanker trucks to have permits, verifications, and proper documentation.
Regulatory Challenges
Francisco Bustamante, president of the Mexican Association for Proper Hydration, stated in an interview that while some water purification systems are controlled by municipal operators sourcing from designated wells, many wells operate illegally, with communities often unaware of their clandestine nature.
Bustamante explained that Conagua and local governments have tolerated irregular well operations for years, leading to a parallel system of water extraction and sale. He emphasized the need for an accurate database on regular and irregular extractions, a regularization process for operators, and strengthened municipal oversight capabilities.
According to INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), regulated water purification businesses in Mexico generated over 37 million pesos in 2023, with 30,026 establishments employing 94,740 people. The State of Mexico has the highest number of establishments.
In 2022, El Economista confirmed that in Ecatepec, tanker truck water originated from illegal taps. INEGI also reported that the State of Mexico saw a daily availability drop in households, falling from 51.7% in 2022 to 44.9%, a decrease of 6.8 percentage points.
Clarification on the Operation
Claudia Sheinbaum, the president, stated that the operation to close over 130 illegal taps in 48 municipalities of the State of Mexico was conducted by the local government.
Sheinbaum explained that during the previous weekend, she encountered unhappy protesters who informed her that legal water taps had been closed. She mentioned that the governor pledged to meet with her, and she requested Conagua’s presence alongside the State of Mexico government.
