Introduction to Water Stress in Querétaro
Querétaro, a state in central Mexico, has experienced significant economic and population growth over the past three decades. This expansion has intensified pressure on its water resources, leading to a state of hydrological stress. The Program Hídrico del Estado de Querétaro (PHEQ), developed by the Consejo Consultivo del Agua and the Comisión Estatal de Aguas (CEA), highlights the urgent need to strengthen state capabilities in water planning, management, and public policies while ensuring equitable, just, and sustainable water distribution.
Population Growth and Water Demand
Between 1990 and 2020, Querétaro’s population doubled from 1 million to 2.4 million. This rapid urbanization has resulted in increased soil impermeability, reducing water infiltration and acquifer recharge. Consequently, the demand for water has surpassed its availability, exacerbating hydrological stress.
- Average water allocation per capita increased by 20% from 2007 to 2020.
- By 2045, the state is projected to require over 7,000 liters per second to meet its water demand, nearly double the current consumption.
Acuíferos in Deficit
During the PHEQ presentation, Consejo Consultivo del Agua president Katia Reséndiz Jaime emphasized that nearly 60% of Querétaro’s 12 acuíferos are in unsustainable conditions due to excessive extraction compared to recharge.
The document, prepared by the Instituto de Ingeniería of UNAM at the request of Consejo Consultivo del Agua, Consejo Querétaro para la Planeación Estratégica, and CEA, reveals that seven of the 12 acuíferos face deficits.
Valle de Querétaro Acuífero
The Valle de Querétaro acuífero is over-exploited, with an annual deficit estimated between 65 and 70 million cubic meters. Natural recharge is estimated at 79 million cubic meters, yet it has decreased by over 40% due to urbanization. Meanwhile, groundwater levels have dropped more than 100 meters over the past 50 years, with some areas experiencing a decline of up to three meters per year.
Proposed Actions
The PHEQ proposes several actions to address water stress, including:
- Strengthening state capabilities in water planning, management, and public policies.
- Ensuring equitable, just, and sustainable water distribution.
- Diversifying and enhancing existing water sources, as well as recovering depleted ones.
- Investing in leak reduction strategies and modernizing water infrastructure.
- Promoting agricultural technological advancements to bolster water security and food security.
- Protecting strategic natural recharge zones of the metropolitan acuífero through decrees.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current state of water resources in Querétaro? The rapid population growth and urbanization have intensified pressure on Querétaro’s water resources, leading to a state of hydrological stress where demand exceeds supply.
- What are the main concerns regarding Querétaro’s acuíferos? Nearly 60% of the state’s 12 acuíferos are in unsustainable conditions due to excessive extraction compared to recharge. The Valle de Querétaro acuífero, for example, faces an annual deficit of 65-70 million cubic meters and has experienced significant groundwater level drops.
- What actions does the PHEQ propose to address water stress? The PHEQ recommends strengthening state capabilities in water planning and management, ensuring equitable water distribution, diversifying and enhancing water sources, investing in leak reduction and infrastructure modernization, promoting agricultural technology, and protecting strategic recharge zones.
