Managed aquifer recharge in Mexico: proposals for an improved legal framework and public policies

Cruz Ayala, M.-B. and Tortajada, C. (2023) Managed aquifer recharge in Mexico: proposals for an improved legal framework and public policies. Water International, 48(1), pp. 165-183. (doi: 10.1080/02508060.2022.2132668)

Abstract

In Mexico, groundwater availability has been decreasing, especially in arid and semiarid regions; this can be addressed by boosting aquifer recharge, known as managed aquifer recharge, with stormwater or treated wastewater. In this paper, we use qualitative approaches to analyse three managed aquifer recharge projects in the country and discuss the related achievements, limitations and lessons learned. We argue that the Law of Nations’ Waters lacks precise rules for water storage and recovery of recharged water, making the planning of significant investments to implement these projects unlikely. We present legal, management and financial proposals to improve the relevant legal water framework.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: This work was partially funded by the National Council of Science and Technology in Mexico (CONACYT) through a doctoral fellowship to MBCA; the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research CRN3056 Project supported by NSF grant number GEO-1128040 via support from the Udall Centre for Studies in Public Policy; the Tinker Field Research Grant Summer 2019 via the Centre for Latin American Studies at the University of Arizona; and the Carson Scholars-University of Arizona (Cohort 2020).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Tortajada, Professor Cecilia
• Authors: Cruz Ayala, M.-B., and Tortajada, C.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social & Environmental Sustainability
• Journal Name: Water International
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0250-8060
• ISSN (Online): 1941-1707
• Published Online: 07 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 Taylor & Francis
• First Published: First published in Water International 48(1): 165-183
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher