Mexico City's arid streets have long been a reminder of the country's crippling water scarcity, with millions struggling to access this fundamental resource. Yet, in a glimmer of hope for the region's parched communities, innovative rainwater harvesting systems are transforming lives and gardens across thousands of households.
In informal settlements like Cristo Rey, where Ana Aparicio Bahena resides, these simple yet effective solutions have made an immense impact. A system installed four years ago has enabled her to cultivate a lush garden, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables that were previously impossible to obtain due to the time-consuming search for water. Her household's 2,500-litre storage capacity provides essential drinking water, while the additional 1,100 litres are dedicated to plant use, significantly boosting food security and quality of life.
Isla Urbana, a pioneering non-profit founded in 2009, is driving this effort forward. By installing rainwater harvesting systems primarily in low-income households, they're providing vital water for five to eight months of the year, especially during the dry season when rainfall is scarce. While their work spans Mexico City, Jalisco, and the State of Mexico, they've also expanded nationwide, focusing on Indigenous communities facing significant barriers to water access. By next year, Isla Urbana aims to reach one million people.
Co-founder Enrique Lomnitz stresses that much of their work involves delivering water to areas difficult to reach with conventional infrastructure. The organisation operates as a non-profit for low-income installations, securing funding through private system sales, grants from Mexico and the US, and donations from international sources. Many government contracts also involve supplying water-scarce regions, either replacing or complementing costly water truck fleets. In the past three years, Isla Urbana has expanded its focus to public schools, installing systems in 2,000 institutions and educating children on water sustainability.
Despite Mexico's approval of a national water access policy last year, which affirms water as a human right and prioritises domestic consumption, water scarcity remains a pressing concern. Droughts, exacerbated by the climate crisis, are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. The National Health and Nutrition Survey indicates that almost 17% of households struggle with basic water needs, while 57% of the population – approximately 74 million people – lack access to safe water. The success of these harvesting systems offers a vital, practical solution to this national challenge.