Regulatory Challenges for the Use of Reclaimed Water in Mexico: A Case Study in Baja California

Abstract

In Mexico, water planning is based on the National Water Law, the core of which is Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). The municipality provides wastewater treatment and reuse, and an integrated approach is mandatory for these processes. However, a traditional (non-integrated) management regime has prevailed in water legislation, resulting in pollution and the inefficient use of water. The objectives of this research were to analyze the Mexican legal framework and international guidelines in the use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation and environmental discharges, and to evaluate challenges facing reclaimed water in the Maneadero Valley, Baja California, as a case study. Results show that wastewater reuse was implemented in the absence of integrative planning and assessment of the potential impacts on the environment and public health. In addition, gaps between decisions linked to the legal attributes of the relevant institutions were identified. Defined roles across the three levels of authority, transparent and congruent funding, coherent water-quality requirements and the strengthening of stakeholder participation are needed to adopt integrated water resource management for reclaimed water use. The alignment of common goals on public health, environmental protection and agricultural development between authorities and the different sectors is crucial to bridge these challenges.

An Overview of Managed Aquifer Recharge in Mexico and Its Legal Framework

“…However, the Law of the Nation´s Waters does not include a definition for reclaimed water and lacks procedures to define how reclaimed water can be managed and allocated. Gilabert-Alarcon et al [116] highlight that policies and regulations for reclaimed water are limited. Considering that reclaimed water can be used for agricultural activities and MAR projects, the lack of a regulatory framework is hampering the opportunities for reusing this water.…”

“…Considering that reclaimed water can be used for agricultural activities and MAR projects, the lack of a regulatory framework is hampering the opportunities for reusing this water. The responsible use of reclaimed water would generate economic and environmental benefits such as reducing water stress and preventing seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers [116]. In Mexico, the absence of a legal definition for reclaimed water and how it can be allocated generates uncertainty regarding water rights.…”

Public Participation for Integrated Groundwater Management: The Case of Maneadero Valley, Baja California, Mexico

“…The area has also seen increased pumping volumes because of the low price of electricity [28]. Moreover, other inefficiencies include the lack of an updated wells inventory, the lack of an updated integrated water management plan [29]; low water culture in an arid region [30], and disinformation between users and authorities regarding the groundwater quantity and Groundwater withdrawal from the Maneadero aquifer has been restricted since 1965 (limiting the drilling of new wells) [27], thus leading to reduced agricultural production and land-use change from agricultural to urban (i.e., household demands for running water and sanitation services). Furthermore, water policy is applied inefficiently: sanctions exist due to over-exploitation, but there are new allocations despite the regulations and increasing use of desalination plants for agricultural irrigation.…”

“…The area has also seen increased pumping volumes because of the low price of electricity [28]. Moreover, other inefficiencies include the lack of an updated wells inventory, the lack of an updated integrated water management plan [29]; low water culture in an arid region [30], and disinformation between users and authorities regarding the groundwater quantity and quality [30]. This political situation and the natural and economic context stimulate the research and evaluation of water management options [26,[28][29][30] that broaden knowledge about actors, institutions, regulations, and policies governing the participatory process of groundwater management in the Maneadero Valley.…”

The Use of Water in Agriculture in Mexico and Its Sustainable Management: A Bibliometric Review

“…In Mexico, more than half of the waste water is not treated [46]. The uncontrolled discharging of untreated, reused water can generate negative effects derived from the pollution of water bodies and agricultural soils [47]. Pérez-Castresana et al [48] find, for example, that the quality of the water of the River Atoyacd, on which the agricultural activities greatly depend in the area of Puebla, has been compromised due to the discharging of large amounts of poorly treated waste water.…”