Mexico's water and sanitation crisis

Mexico's water and sanitation crisis 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. The challenges include water scarcity in certain parts of the country; inadequate drinking water quality and wastewater treatment, and poor technical and commercial efficiency of most utilities. More than half of Mexican households with access to piped water receive services on an intermittent basis, particularly in smaller municipalities and poor areas. Now more than ever access to safe water is critical to the health of families in Mexico so they can prepare and protect themselves from the COVID-19 pandemic and other diseases. 904,000 Lack access to safe water Mexico Capital: Mexico City Population of 129 million 904,000 lack access to safe water 11 million lack access to improved sanitation Our impact in Mexico Water.org completed a market assessment in Mexico in 2017. We found opportunities in the central and southern parts of the country where there are pockets of communities without access to networked water and sanitation systems and a robust microfinance market served by a variety of types of institutions. We are primarily working with associations of microfinance institutions in Mexico. Through this approach, we aim to empower apex institutions by equipping them with the technical skills and training they need to build the capacity of their microfinance institutions. Our partners disbursed their first loans for water and sanitation at the end of 2019. Water.org sees great potential in Mexico and is in the process of evaluating and scoping new market opportunities. We continue to refine our strategy in the country and explore ways to accelerate impact through new partnerships at the local and regional level.