Project Overview and Timeline
The Presa Solís dam in Guanajuato is projected to commence operations by 2029, according to the National Water Plan 2024-2030 set forth by the federal government. If construction begins this year, 2025, the project in Acámbaro is expected to start supplying water to five crucial Guanajuato municipalities—León, Silao, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato—within four years.
Investment Details
The Presa Solís project entails an estimated investment of 15,000 million pesos and is anticipated to directly benefit approximately 1.8 million inhabitants.
Financial Planning and No Endeavorment
Enrique de Haro Maldonado, Director of the Sistema de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de León (SAPAL), clarified that if the project adheres to schedule, there will be no need for León’s indebtedness for complementary works, including an acueducto and a potabilization plant, estimated at 1,200 million pesos.
“With proper planning, we can distribute this investment over the coming years, avoiding debt acquisition to cover the total cost,” stated De Haro Maldonado, SAPAL’s head.
Water Scarcity Context
Guanajuato, including León, faces a significant water availability issue. Fifteen out of twenty Guanajuato aquifers are experiencing deficits, while population growth and industrial activity continuously escalate annual water demand.
The climate crisis further exacerbates the situation, with the Sepal predicting a one-degree Celsius temperature increase in Guanajuato every three years, pushing some areas beyond 40 degrees Celsius.
User Payment and Resource Availability
A positive aspect for SAPAL is that 94.8% of León’s users pay their water consumption on time, ensuring financial stability for the operating organization, according to its director.
With annual revenues of 3,000 million pesos, SAPAL maintains a reserve of 700 million pesos for new projects. Additional federal, state resources and charges for integrating new developments also contribute to the organization’s funding.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Presa Solís project? The Presa Solís dam project in Guanajuato aims to address the region’s water scarcity by constructing a dam, an acueducto, and a potabilization plant to supply water to five key municipalities.
- When is the project expected to begin operations? If construction starts in 2025, the Presa Solís dam is projected to begin operations by 2029.
- Will the project require debt for León? With proper planning, SAPAL’s director, Enrique de Haro Maldonado, stated that indebtedness for the complementary works will not be necessary.
- What are the challenges faced by Guanajuato regarding water availability? Guanajuato, including León, grapples with water scarcity due to deficits in 15 out of 20 aquifers, escalating water demand from population growth and industrial activity, and the climate crisis causing rising temperatures.
- How financially stable is SAPAL? With 94.8% of León’s users paying their water consumption on time, SAPAL enjoys financial stability, allowing for reserves for new projects and additional funding from federal, state resources, and integration charges.
