One of the world’s most populated cities, Mexico City, is facing a dire water crisis that is rapidly escalating. With nearly 22 million residents, the city is on the verge of a “day zero” scenario where the water supply will no longer be able to meet the needs of its people.

According to the Water Basin Organization of the Valley of Mexico, there are fears that the Cutzamala System, the main source of water for the city, will not have enough water for residents starting from June 26 until September. Already, many locals are enduring severe water shortages, going for days, if not weeks, without running water in their homes.

The situation has become so critical that even basic daily activities like washing cars or watering gardens have been restricted to conserve water. Residents like Juan Ortega have resorted to recycling water from washing machines to meet their basic needs.

Businesses in the city are also feeling the impact of the water shortage. Arturo Gracia, a coffee shop owner, shared that his business has to pay for a water truck to supply essential water for toilets and other uses. The scarcity of water is affecting multiple neighborhoods in the city.

Adding to the crisis is the recent high temperatures that Mexico City has been experiencing, with temperatures reaching nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This has put additional strain on the already diminishing water supply. Rafael Carmona, the director of SACMEX, labeled the situation as “unprecedented” due to the lack of rainfall in the region over the past few years.

Poor water management practices and a high population density have further worsened the crisis. Underground leaks account for a significant amount of wasted water in the city, with up to 40% of the water loss attributed to leaks. Efforts to fix these leaks have been initiated, but the challenge remains immense.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has assured that the government is working towards increasing the water supply to prevent a “day zero” scenario this year. However, some experts believe that without significant changes and improvements in water management, such a crisis could be a looming threat in the coming years.

The broader impact of the water shortage is felt across Mexico, with many parts of the country experiencing severe drought conditions. The lack of rainfall and low water storage in dams have placed the entire country at risk of water scarcity.

As Mexico City braces itself for a potential water crisis, it is evident that urgent action is needed to address the underlying issues causing the shortage. With the risk of “day zero” looming, the city must prioritize sustainable water management practices and conservation efforts to ensure a reliable water supply for its residents.