Mexico's Water Crisis - Water In Mexico

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.

Brazil's water and sanitation crisis

Despite having one of the largest economies and highest water availability in the world, there are still deep inequalities in access to water and sanitation among Brazil’s geographical regions, rural and urban communities and households. Out of its population of 212 million people, 30 million people (14% of the population) lack access to a reliable, safely managed source of water, and 109 million people (51%) lack access to safely managed household sanitation facilities.

For those who do have access to safe water, the water supply downtime, disruption in service and deficiencies in drinking water systems remain challenging. Current challenges include getting consistent access to water in urban areas (where water is less available), developing infrastructure that reaches people living in more rural areas, and managing the growing sewage treatment issue caused by lack of improved sanitation solutions.

Brazil is heavily dependent on hydraulic energy and droughts impact all Brazilians from reducing the supply of food developed by farms and agribusinesses of all sizes, to affecting the financial expenses of families across the country as inflation increases. Affordable access to safe water and sanitation at home is critical for families in Brazil.