Water Management Strategies in Urban Mexico: Limitations of the privatization debate
13 junio 2007Barkin D. y
D. Klooster
Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco,
Universidad de Guadalajara
2006
In this research report, we present a framework for the analysis of the social appropriation of water based upon the concept of the New Culture of Water. From this vantage point, we examine the Mexican water sector in light of a set of original case studies, many of which were conducted expressly for this study. Our review of water management in Mexico sheds light on some of the principal contradictions of a development process that is far from sustainable. Although few of the water agencies operate well by international standards, we argue that the principal problem challenging Mexican society is the institutional framework –rules and organizations– that establishes the conditions for their operation. Our evaluation of the system is based on its ability and commitment to provide water services and engage in sound environmental management practices.
