Mexico City needs to fundamentally rethink how it manages water, both rainwater and wastewater, to address recurrent problems such as floods, land subsidence, and scarcity. This stark warning comes from Natalia Verónica Soto Coloballes, a postdoctoral researcher at the UNAM Institute of Geography, who argues that the current model, based on a combined drainage system designed over a century ago, is woefully inadequate for a city built on a lakebed.
A Century-Old Problem: The Flawed Drainage System
From Soto Coloballes’ perspective, the existing water management system, conceived in the late 19th century, was designed to use water as a vehicle to transport waste out of the city. This approach, she highlights, continues to dominate 125 years later. “We still think of water as a vehicle for expelling waste,” she notes, which has transformed the city’s hydrography into an encased evacuation network.
This historical perspective has contributed to environmental degradation and the loss of the natural relationship between the city and its water bodies, leading to the structural problems evident today. The annual rainy season brings widespread flooding and waterlogging, which, according to the specialist, are clear indications of water attempting to reclaim its ancient courses. Examples like the Viaducto Río de la Piedad reflect this lacustrine past and the current system’s limitations in handling large volumes of water.
Reconnecting with the City’s Hydrological History
Soto Coloballes advocates for a city that acknowledges the coexistence of different water sources and reorganizes their management independently. “It’s hard for us to imagine that rainwater and wastewater can be managed separately, but just as in the past a dry city was sought, today we could think of one that recognizes its hydrological condition,” she explains.
As part of her research, Soto Coloballes leads the “Geographies of Hydrological Memory in Mexico City” project. This initiative aims to reconstruct the capital’s aquatic past through historical cartography, aerial photographs, documentary archives, and oral testimonies. The goal is to identify ancient rivers, canals, lakes, and springs that were modified or culverted with urban growth, and to understand how these transformations have impacted the territory.
The specialist emphasizes that many current avenues were once natural waterways, and despite being invisible, water continues to flow beneath the city. Recognizing this history, she argues, can open new ways of relating to the urban environment.
Proposed Solutions: Daylighting Rivers and Green Spaces
Among the proposed solutions is the possibility of reopening culverted river sections-a practice known as daylighting-to restore visible waterways and, simultaneously, reclaim parks, medians, and green areas. Such interventions have been successfully implemented in cities like Seoul, Yonkers, and Zurich, where they have improved urban environments and water management.
For Mexico City, Soto Coloballes believes these actions could help mitigate recurrent flooding, which particularly affects low-lying areas and underpasses during every rainy season. Understanding that these problems are linked to decisions made over a century ago is crucial for moving towards more sustainable solutions. Reorganizing water management in the capital is not only necessary but also an opportunity to rethink the city based on its own history and nature.
The Economic and Social Impact of Inaction
The continuous flooding and water scarcity have significant economic and social consequences. Businesses suffer losses due to damaged infrastructure and disruptions to daily operations. Residents face health risks from contaminated floodwaters and the burden of property damage. The lack of reliable water supply disproportionately affects low-income communities, exacerbating existing inequalities.
The current approach, which prioritizes expelling water rather than retaining and managing it, has led to a vicious cycle. The city’s reliance on deep wells contributes to land subsidence, further increasing flood risks and damaging infrastructure. The cost of maintaining and repairing this failing system is immense, diverting funds that could otherwise be invested in sustainable solutions.
Looking Ahead: A New Paradigm for Mexico City’s Water Future
The insights from UNAM’s research underscore the urgency of a paradigm shift. Moving away from a purely engineering-centric approach to one that integrates ecological and historical understanding is essential. This involves not only technological solutions but also a fundamental change in how the city’s inhabitants perceive and interact with water.
Implementing solutions like daylighting rivers and creating more green infrastructure can offer multiple benefits: improved flood control, enhanced biodiversity, better air quality, and increased public spaces for recreation. These changes, however, require significant political will, public education, and sustained investment.
The challenge for Mexico City is to learn from its past, embrace innovative solutions, and create a water management system that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable for all its residents. The alternative is a future marked by escalating environmental crises and continued urban vulnerability.
Source: https://es-us.noticias.yahoo.com/cdmx-necesita-reorganizar-manejo-agua-130000628.html
