Urban Water Management Faces Major Challenge in Concrete-Dominated City
The management of water in Mexico City faces one of its greatest challenges in an urban environment dominated by asphalt and concrete, surfaces that prevent the natural infiltration of rainwater.
Historical Rainfall in 2025 Highlights Drainage System Saturation
According to data shared by Amanco Wavin, Mexico City experienced a historically rainy year in 2025. In June, the averages doubled, with 220 million cubic meters of precipitation.
By August, the most intense rainfall in 70 years occurred, and in September, over 60 million cubic meters once again pushed the hydrological infrastructure to its limits. As a result, avenues turned into rivers and transportation collapsed became common scenes.
Shifting Focus from Draining to Integrating Rainwater as a Resource
In this context, Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SUDS) emerge as an alternative to mitigate flooding, promote infiltration, and enable the reuse of rainwater.
Amanco Wavin has developed integrated systems with this approach, facilitating rainwater management aimed at optimizing urban water resources and reducing the impact of extreme events.
Green Infrastructure
SUDS-based solutions not only regulate the flow of rainwater but also allow its storage, filtration, and reuse, with additional benefits for urban biodiversity as well as reducing social and economic costs associated with flooding.
Amanco Wavin offers various versions of AquaCell that facilitate the retention of large volumes of rainwater underground through modular plastic modules, contributing to preventing floods and recharging aquifers.
On the other hand, rain gardens promote pluvial capture and capillary irrigation, while the catchments channel water directly to urban trees.
Moreover, green roof systems retain between 70 and 97% of rainwater, improve air quality, reduce temperatures in densely urbanized areas, act as thermal insulation, help regulate interior building temperatures, and dampen intense rainfall at its source.
The Urgent Need for Intelligent Water Management
“Intelligent water management is not a technological luxury but an urgent necessity to adapt to climate change. These technologies represent a shift towards a more natural and intelligent management of the water cycle,” stated the company.
Key Questions and Answers
- What challenges does Mexico City face regarding water management? Mexico City’s urban environment, dominated by asphalt and concrete, prevents the natural infiltration of rainwater. The drainage system is often saturated, leading to flooding and wasted rainwater.
- What solutions does Amanco Wavin propose? Amanco Wavin advocates for Sustainable Urban Drainage Solutions (SUDS), which integrate rainwater as a resource rather than just draining it. Their systems include AquaCell modules, rain gardens, and green roofs to manage water more effectively.
- How do SUDS benefit the urban environment? SUDS not only manage rainwater flow but also store, filter, and reuse it. This leads to additional benefits like improved urban biodiversity and reduced costs associated with flooding.
- Why is intelligent water management crucial? Intelligent water management is essential for adapting to climate change. It promotes a more natural and efficient use of water resources in urban settings.
