Managed aquifer recharge in Mexico: Proposals for an improved legal framework and public policies

Abstract

In Mexico, groundwater availability has been decreasing, especially in arid and semiarid regions; this can be addressed by boosting aquifer recharge, known as managed aquifer recharge, with stormwater or treated wastewater. In this paper, we use qualitative approaches to analyse three managed aquifer recharge projects in the country and discuss the related achievements, limitations and lessons learned. We argue that the Law of Nations’ Waters lacks precise rules for water storage and recovery of recharged water, making the planning of significant investments to implement these projects unlikely. We present legal, management and financial proposals to improve the relevant legal water framework.