The city’s fragility is deeply rooted in its historical development.

Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis of nearly 22 million people and one of the largest cities in the world, is currently grappling with a severe water crisis. The impacts of climate change are exacerbating a complex set of problems, including geographic challenges, sprawl, and aging infrastructure prone to leaks.

Years of poor rainfall, persistent drought and rising temperatures have added to pressure on already overstretched water systems, prompting authorities to impose significant restrictions on water withdrawals from reservoirs.

“Several communities have been without water for weeks and there are still four months until the rains start,” said Christian Dominguez Sarmiento, an atmospheric scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). CNN.

The city’s fragility is deeply rooted in its historical development. Mexico City (elevation: approximately 7,300 feet) is built on a high-elevation former lake bed and faces ongoing challenges such as subsidence due to clay-rich soil, seismic vulnerability, and increased susceptibility to climate change. Urban sprawl has altered the natural landscape, replacing wetlands and rivers with concrete and asphalt, exacerbating seasonal extreme floods and droughts.

Mexico City relies heavily on an over-exploited aquifer, which provides about 60 percent of its water but also contributes to the city’s alarming subsidence rate of 20 inches per year. This overreliance, combined with urban sprawl replacing natural landscapes with concrete and asphalt, exacerbates seasonal extreme floods and droughts.

A report in February showed that nearly 90% of the city faced severe drought, reflecting a broader situation in which 60% of the country is suffering from moderate to severe drought. Mexico’s sensitivity to natural climate fluctuations exacerbates this vulnerability. La Niña events exacerbate the drought, while El Niño disrupts the normal rainy season, putting continued pressure on the city’s water resources.

The looming water crisis has heightened concerns about a potential “day zero” scenario. This critical moment means water levels in the Kuzamala system are extremely low and cannot meet the city’s basic water needs.