Tijuana Faces Severe Water Crisis Dependent on the Colorado River

In Tijuana, a sprawling border city in northwestern Mexico, a water crisis looms large as the region grapples with the effects of drought and population growth. The city heavily relies on trucks, known as “pipas,” like Luis Ramirez’s bright blue water truck, to deliver drinking water to numerous households. Ramirez and his 16-year-old assistant, Daniel Alvarez, tirelessly navigate the hilly and grey outskirts of Tijuana, filling plastic tanks that will be distributed to approximately 100 homes.

As one of the last cities downstream receiving water from the diminishing Colorado River, Tijuana confronts a water crisis aggravated by outdated infrastructure and a lack of preparation by successive governments. Entire neighborhoods on the outskirts of Tijuana remain disconnected from the city’s water distribution network, leaving residents to grapple with the daily struggle of accessing water. Trucked-in water, which is often more expensive than city water, becomes the only option for these underserved areas.

Even middle-class neighborhoods, like Martha Muñoz’s in the rapidly expanding southern part of Tijuana, face challenges. Neighbors have to rely on WhatsApp updates to coordinate with city authorities during water shutoffs. In April, over half of the city’s neighborhoods experienced a water outage for several days while repairs were made to a main pipeline. Despite the official estimate of a 36-hour shutoff, many residents endured longer periods without water. The government’s inability to provide water trucks to affected neighborhoods further exacerbated the situation.

Water consultant Carlos de la Parra highlights the continuous struggle to keep up with Tijuana’s growth and the neglect of infrastructure over the past 8 to 10 years. The city also contends with the impact of drought. In May, over 44% of municipalities in Mexico reported drought conditions, and Tijuana’s water challenges are particularly acute due to rapid urbanization and water scarcity in the region.

Over 90% of Tijuana’s water is sourced from the Colorado River, with a single aqueduct traversing Baja California to reach the city. However, Mexico’s share of Colorado River water has been reduced by 7% in the past two years, raising concerns about the future water supply. Hydrologists and experts emphasize the urgent need for Tijuana and the state of Baja California to secure alternative water sources.

Despite promises from authorities to diversify Tijuana’s water supply through desalination and wastewater treatment, little progress has been made. Aging infrastructure, coupled with the challenging topography of the city, contributes to the difficulties in maintaining water supply. Pumps fail, power outages occur, and pipes break, leading to frequent interruptions in service.

For residents like Jose Trinidad, who lives in one of the neighborhoods without city water connections, accessing water remains a constant struggle. He spends a significant portion of his income on trucked-in water, making it a substantial monthly expense.

The water crisis in Tijuana demands immediate attention and effective long-term solutions. Without significant improvements in infrastructure and diversification of water sources, the city will continue to face severe challenges in meeting the water needs of its growing population.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about water crisis

More about water crisis

• AP News Article on Tijuana’s Water Crisis
• Mexico’s National Water Commission
• San Diego County Water Authority
• Walton Family Foundation (Supporter of The Big Big News)