Water resources planning and management in Mexico

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Abstract
In spite of efforts made so far, water resources development has not benefited all Mexicans. Water conflicts between neighbouring states and regions become more frequent every day. These, together with low infrastructure maintenance, low water‐use efficiencies, water quality degradation and severe flood control problems, are the pressing problems which demand new approaches to water management. In order to make progress in the solution of these problems, the Mexican government established a new water policy to enable sustainable development of water. Its implementation required major changes in the legal and institutional framework. Besides constructing the necessary water infrastructure, the Mexican government has given special emphasis to water planning and management in recent years, by creating favourable economic and legal conditions to induce a change that makes possible more productive water allocation from the economic point of view, as well as more efficient water use and a significant reduction in water contamination levels. The new approach to water management relies on a well‐tuned balance between government regulation and market forces. This paper deals with the main strategies, instruments and actions under implementation for water resources planning and management in Mexico and concludes that, to make progress towards the total solution of the water quantity and quality problems of Mexico, a new water culture is required to help build a clear consciousness of the value of water as a scarce, finite and, above all, vital resource. This new outlook requires that each member of society contribute to a better, more efficient use of water and the preservation of its quality.

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