Mexico City, home to nearly 22 million people, is facing a severe water crisis. For months, the city has been grappling with diminishing water supplies, and now it is on the brink of a "day zero" scenario, where it will no longer have enough water to provide for its residents.
According to local news reports, officials fear this "day zero" could arrive on June 26 and last until September. During this period, the Cutzamala System, which supplies water to Mexico City, will no longer have enough water for the city's population.
Residents are already struggling with water scarcity, with many going "days, if not weeks, without running water in their houses," according to CBS News contributor Enrique Acevedo. The situation has become so dire that gyms and public parks have had to limit the number of people using their shower facilities due to the high demand for water.
Local resident Juan Ortega told Reuters that rules have been implemented to conserve water, such as prohibiting car washing and limiting water usage for gardening and landscaping.
Arturo Gracia, who runs a coffee shop in the area, said his business has to pay for water trucks to supply water for essential needs like toilets.
The water crisis has been exacerbated by high temperatures and a lack of rainfall in the region over the past four to five years, leading to low storage levels in local dams. Mexico's President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has said the government will increase water supplies to avoid a "day zero" this year, but researchers believe the crisis could worsen in the years ahead.
Poor water management, including underground leaks and residential leaks, has also contributed significantly to the problem, with some estimates suggesting up to 40% of water is wasted due to leaks.
As one of the world's most populated cities faces an unprecedented water crisis, experts warn that climate change and drought conditions could further exacerbate the situation, highlighting the need for sustainable water management and conservation measures.