Women in Mexico City Find New Ways to Get Water Amid Drought

In Iztapalapa, a district in Mexico City, residents are increasingly adopting rainwater harvesting systems as a solution to chronic water shortages. Local activist Huitzil Palacios Díaz highlighted the dire situation, noting that residents often wait in long lines for water distribution trucks, sometimes going over a month without a regular supply. The lack of education and resources for maintaining these systems post-installation has led to many being abandoned or dismantled. The initiative gained momentum in 2021 when the government provided free rainwater harvesting systems to qualifying households. Palacios Díaz, along with fellow cooperative member Lizbeth Esther Pineda Castro, demonstrated the maintenance process, which includes cleaning pipes with soap and chlorine. The maintenance frequency varies based on water usage and rainfall, emphasizing the need for ongoing education and support. Iztapalapa, home to over 1.8 million residents, has become a key beneficiary of Mexico City’s rainwater harvesting program. This system allows residents to utilize rainwater during the rainy season, reducing reliance on the Cutzamala reservoir, which supplies water to the city and surrounding areas. The cooperative is also designing customized systems to meet diverse needs, from low-cost options to those requiring larger capacities. Empowering women is a central theme for the cooperative members, who aim to inspire young girls and demonstrate that women can engage in technical fields. Abigail López Durán expressed the importance of setting an example, stating, “We can also use tools and aren’t afraid to get hurt,” highlighting the cooperative's commitment to fostering a new generation of water conservation advocates.