Cutzamala system is a lifeline for CDMX

The Cutzamala System is one of the most important water supply networks in Mexico, providing water to millions of people in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. In August 2025, following weeks of intense rainfall, the system’s storage levels have seen a significant recovery, offering a glimpse of relief in a region often plagued by water scarcity.

Recent Increases in Water Storage

According to the most recent report from the National Water Commission (Conagua), the Cutzamala System currently holds 67.86% of its total capacity, equivalent to 531.055 million cubic meters of water. This increase comes after strong rains that have swept across the Valley of Mexico in recent weeks.

The three main storage dams that make up the system also showed healthy figures:

• Valle de Bravo: 77.56%

• Villa Victoria: 58.73%

• El Bosque: 57.36%

These levels are higher than the historical averages recorded in previous years, a clear sign that the rains of 2025 have had a direct positive effect on water availability.

National reservoir conditions

The Cutzamala System is part of a much larger national picture. Conagua reported that the 210 largest reservoirs in Mexico now hold a total of 63,029 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 50% of their storage capacity.

The report detailed that:

• 27 reservoirs are completely full (100%).

• 65 are between 75% and 100%.

• 56 are between 50% and 75%.

This is a substantial improvement compared to early June 2025, when the national average storage level was only 44%. By August 10, the level rose to 50%, reflecting how widespread rains have contributed to strengthening the country’s water supply for both households and industry.

Historic rainfall in Mexico City

One of the turning points for the recovery was the historic rainfall recorded in Mexico City. On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the capital experienced its most intense rainstorm of the season, and one of the heaviest since 1952.

Clara Brugada, the Head of Government, confirmed that 84.5 millimeters of rain fell in the Zócalo alone, causing flooding in central districts such as Venustiano Carranza. The downpour also impacted operations at the Mexico City International Airport and disrupted several Metro lines.

The intensity of the storm forced temporary restrictions on mass transportation to prevent further accidents. Despite the chaos, authorities reported no fatalities or major structural damages, a sign of improved emergency preparedness in the capital.

What lies ahead for the Cutzamala in 2025

Myriam Vilma Urzúa, Secretary of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection, noted that the rainy season is expected to last at least through September 2025. This means that storage levels in the Cutzamala System may continue to rise, reinforcing water availability for the upcoming dry months.

The government has emphasized its commitment to sustainable water management, reaffirming principles established in the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability. This includes ensuring fair access to water while balancing the needs of households, agriculture, and industry.

A brief history of the Cutzamala System

The Cutzamala System has long been a lifeline for Mexico City. Conceived in the 1970s and inaugurated in 1982, it was built to address the chronic water shortages that plagued the rapidly growing capital. At the time, Mexico City relied heavily on its underground aquifers, which were being depleted at alarming rates, causing land subsidence and threatening the city’s infrastructure.

The project was considered one of the most ambitious hydraulic engineering works in Latin America. It involved the construction of dams, pumping stations, treatment plants, and aqueducts designed to transport water over a distance of more than 127 kilometers, overcoming significant altitude differences to reach Mexico City.

Over the years, the Cutzamala has expanded through several phases to meet the demands of a growing urban population. Today, it supplies around 25% of Mexico City’s water consumption, serving millions of residents across the Valley of Mexico.

However, its operation has not been without challenges. Frequent droughts, combined with rising demand and climate change, have placed the system under pressure. Storage levels have dipped critically low in some years, sparking widespread concern over the capital’s water security.

Balancing hope with caution

While the rains of 2025 have brought much-needed relief, experts warn that water management in Mexico City remains a complex issue. Dependence on external systems like Cutzamala underscores the city’s vulnerability to climate variability.

Sustainable practices, investment in infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns continue to be essential in ensuring long-term water security. For now, though, the rising levels of the Cutzamala System offer a sign of hope for residents and policymakers alike, reminding everyone of the delicate balance between nature’s cycles and urban survival.