Hydrogeology of Mexico

Abstract

This chapter provides an analysis of the water risk in Mexico based upon its geographic location, the current situation of its water resources, its population growth, and the impact of economic globalization and of current and future techno- logical changes, as well as the effects of global climate change, all of which place several regions of the country at high water risk and lead to the conclusion that Mexico needs a sound water-security program. It is acknowledged that, since 1976, upon developing the National Water Plan and setting it as a guiding instrument for water-policy actions that must be carried out by the federal administration every 6 years—through cross-cutting, sectorial, regional, special, and institutional programs—Mexico has had the elements for establishing a water-security program based on three guidelines: efficiency, sustain- ability, and a cross-cutting approach, with a multidimensional application of at least six guiding principles: governance, social, economic, environmental, human devel- opment, and global. Finally, the point is made that scientific and technological knowledge is crucial for bolstering a water-security program.