Mexico's water and sanitation crisis

Out of its population of 129 million people, 73 million people (57% of the population) lack access to a reliable, safely managed source of water, and 55 million people (42%) lack access to safely managed household sanitation facilities. Water supply and sanitation in Mexico has experienced both great achievements and continued challenges. Over the last two decades, Mexico saw a significant nationwide increase in access to piped water supply and improved sanitation in both urban and rural areas, however a lack of ongoing investment has slowed progress in getting access to safe water to low-income communities.

The challenges include water scarcity and droughts in major parts of the country, inadequate drinking water quality and wastewater treatment, and inefficient utilities. More than half of Mexican households with access to piped water receive services on an intermittent basis, and Mexico currently has the highest per capita consumption of bottled water worldwide. Now more than ever, lasting access to safe water at home is critical to families in Mexico.