Mexico City's Water Supply Improving the Outlook for Sustainability (1995) / Chapter Skim
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8 Conclusions and Recommendations
8 Conclusions and Recommendations
Pages 78-88
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From page 78... ...
There are several general recommendations of a diverse nature concerning improved understanding of the regional hydrology, reuse of reclaimed wastewater, protection of the quality of existing resources, greater efficiency of use, and institutional change, all designed to improve the existing system. The issues and related recommendations presented below are meant to guide policy makers attempting to improve the quantity and quality of water resources in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA)
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From page 79... ...
Data used in current prediction models for the Mexico City Aquifer are not reliable, and the consequences of a prediction error on long-term planning may be severe. More complete information on the draw down rates of the aquifer, the relevant hydrologic parameters, vulnerability to contamination, and an identification of the critical water levels below which continued pumping would no longer be eff~cient would be required to predict the aquifer life more reliably.
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From page 80... ...
What is optimal for the Mexico City Aquifer will depend, at a minimum, upon a number of interrelated factors: · a consideration of the economic dependence of the region on the ground water resource' · the consideration of deteriorating water quality with increasing aquifer depth, the current impacts of point source and nonpoint source pollution, the availability and actual marginal cost of obtaining and distributing other new sources of water, · en analysts ofwater use, · the influence and potential of programs for water pricing and metering, water conservation, water reuse, and ground water recharge, . · the impact of water use on other environmental interests, and · the best calculations available as to the potential long-term life of the aquifer at the various rates of pumping based on the considerations above.
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From page 81... ...
Implementation of industrial pretreatment programs will be necessary for effective wastewater treatment, and will be a prerequisite for developing a viable ground water recharge program and other water reclamation projects. If water reuse programs are to be safe and effective, all municipal wastewater should receive proper treatment prior to disposal, as well as for reuse purposes.
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From page 82... ...
Options to protect the water supply may include increased restrictions on industrial discharges, measures to contain hazardous waste, installation of water and sewer services where they are lacking, the implementation of wellhead protection programs, or closing and relocating of wells. Further research is needed in the areas of the transition and lacustnne zones to characterize more accurately the vulnerability of the aquifer.
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From page 83... ...
The great complexity of the water distribution network suggests diverse water quality conditions in different parts of the network. The State of Mexico has less capability than the Federal District to monitor and report on water quality within its metropolitan service area.
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From page 84... ...
Specific policy tools include educational programs, plumbing retrofit programs, conservation audit programs, conservation laws, meter installation and maintenance programs, urban land-use planning, and pricing structures aimed at bringing user costs more in line with supply costs. Recommendation: Functioning meters should be installed for all but the poorest consumers.
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From page 85... ...
The Federal District is embarking on a privatization initiative, motivated both by the belief that the private sector has the potential for improved managerial efficiency via the profit motive. The initiative leaves infrastructure ownership and capital investment in the hands of the public sector, but will gradually contract out many management functions to private firms via short term competitive contracts.
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From page 86... ...
Water conservation and demand management offices should be hierarchically positioned within water supply agencies so that they can exert authority in overall decision making. ISSUE: EQUITY Residents of the MCMA receive diverse levels of water service and use very different quantities of water.
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From page 87... ...
Recommendation: Dependable water services should continue to be extended to the poor. The poorest segments of the MCMA population do not have a convenient, dependable water supply.
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