The challenges of water access in Yucatán, México

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyse the situation of water access in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. This state is characterised by an abundance of groundwater to which the population have access. Yet despite this abundance, there are still many households that do not have access to enough quality water in their homes. In this paper the water situation in Yucatán is described based on official data referring to the United Mexican States. The aspects described in this study are water management, accessibility, usage, and geographic and meteorological conditions. Additionally, this paper delves deeper into the understanding of several variables considered primary in this research, such as water access, quality and the time required to collect it, by using data from an original survey. The case of Yucatán is unique in Mexico owing to its geographical features and the abundance of groundwater. Although access to water is almost universal in this state, it is proposed that the quality of this resource must be improved, as well as the quality of supply.