Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Querétaro, Qro. The recent water-related legislative proposals have caused concern among industrialists due to their implications on concessions, reassignments, or compliance costs. Katia Reséndiz Jaime, President of the Consejo Consultivo del Agua (Water Advisory Council) of Querétaro state, expressed these concerns during a panel titled “Industry and Water Governance” organized by the council.
Alberto Portela Avello, a law specialist in environmental matters and member of the Consejo Consultivo del Agua, also voiced his concerns. He highlighted that most industrial parks in Querétaro have their own wells, ensuring their operations do not interfere with public water supply.
Key Concerns and Proposed Actions
Industrialists are worried about not being allowed to independently supply water, which would create uncertainty. To address these concerns, the Consejo Consultivo del Agua proposed three local action lines:
- Establish working tables with industrial parks, chambers, and authorities to listen to concerns.
- Promote smart state water planning, aligning economic growth with real water availability in each zone.
- Issue recognitions and incentives for responsible water management while working on the state hydrological program design.
Industrials’ Specific Worries
Alberto Portela Avello emphasized that industrials are concerned about not being allowed to operate independently, increasing water volumes, and the overall uncertainty surrounding their access to water. Despite using relatively little water, industries are often unfairly criticized, and their infrastructure does not share resources with the Comisión Estatal de Aguas (CEA).
Federal and State Perspectives
Mario Calzada Mercado, federal deputy for Querétaro and member of the Water, Potable Water, and Sanitation Commission, mentioned that due to various sectoral complaints, the debate has been expanded. He pointed out that central and northern regions face significant water issues, with agricultural modernization being an area of opportunity since it consumes nearly 70% of the water resources.
Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, Secretary of Sustainable Development (SEDESu), stated that although the administration has no direct influence over the Aguas Nacionales Law proposal, they can participate through public policies that benefit Querétaro. The main challenge is to continue producing without harming the environment, with ongoing work on a project for hydrological restoration banks.
Municipal Water Service Titularship
As part of water initiatives, it is proposed that municipalities become the title holders of the public service for water supply and sanitation. Alberto Portela Avello, an expert in the matter, explained that this change would require the CEA (state entity responsible for this function) to adapt to the constitutional article 115 reform.
An alternative is that, if the initiative advances, municipalities could form an inter-municipal committee while maintaining the CEA’s operational structure, but now under municipal title instead of state control.
The federal government has increased municipal water budgets and designated a budget for them, according to Portela Avello.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What are the concerns of Querétaro’s industrials regarding recent water legislative proposals?
- Q: How is the Consejo Consultivo del Agua addressing these concerns?
- Q: What changes are being proposed for water service titularship in Querétaro?
- Q: How are federal and state authorities responding to these concerns?
A: Industrials are worried about not being allowed to independently supply water, increasing water volumes, and the overall uncertainty surrounding their access to water.
A: The council proposed three local action lines: establishing working tables with industrial parks, chambers, and authorities to listen to concerns; promoting smart state water planning; and issuing recognitions and incentives for responsible water management.
A: Municipalities are proposed to become the title holders of the public service for water supply and sanitation, requiring the CEA to adapt to constitutional article 115 reform.
A: Federal deputy Mario Calzada Mercado mentioned expanding the debate due to various sectoral complaints. Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, SEDESu Secretary, highlighted ongoing work on a project for hydrological restoration banks to address environmental concerns.
