| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Subsidence | The gradual sinking of the ground, often due to removing underground water. |
| Aquifer | An underground layer of water-bearing rock from which water can be extracted. |
| Ultrafiltration | A water purification process that removes particles and microorganisms using a very fine membrane. |
Mexico City has battled water issues for more than 400 years. The challenge began after a massive flood in 1629 when the city was submerged for years, leading to the deaths of over 30,000 people. This resulted from a failed drainage project intended to manage the water within the city’s mountainous basin. Over the centuries, the city has repeated the cycle of draining water to solve flooding, only to create new issues.
Originally, the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán was built harmoniously with Lake Texcoco. However, Spanish and later engineers drained the lake, which fixed flooding but destroyed the water supply. The city then relied on extracting water from an underground aquifer. Over-extraction has caused the ground to compact and sink, a process known as subsidence. This sinking has warped infrastructure, causing more water management problems.
Efforts to address these issues include the Túnel Emisor Oriente, which moves wastewater far from the city. However, only a fraction of the city’s wastewater is treated, leading to water contamination. Large corporations like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo also extract significant amounts of water, exacerbating the problem.
Lessons from cities like Tokyo and Venice, which implemented laws to restrict groundwater usage, suggest legislative solutions might help. Meanwhile, household ultrafiltration systems offer an immediate way to improve water safety. These systems clean water without extra energy or waste, unlike other methods that can waste water or rely on electricity.
While ultrafiltration doesn’t solve all of Mexico City’s water problems, it provides a practical solution for households. It highlights the importance of both technological and legislative measures in tackling long-standing environmental challenges.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Legislative | Legislativo/a |
| Environmental | Ambiental |
| Subsidize | Subvencionar |
Time to discuss
- How do historical decisions continue to impact Mexico City’s water crisis today?
- What role do large corporations play in the current water issues facing Mexico City?
- Why is legislative action important in solving environmental problems like subsidence?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- Explain how ultrafiltration could be a solution for households in Mexico City.
- Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a legislative solution to the water crisis.
