The Role of Water Policy in Mexico : Sustainability, Equity, and Economic Growth Considerations

Abstract

With water in Mexico becoming very scarce spatially and over time, it is now a factor that limits economic activity and social well-being in several regions. The identification of priorities and trade-offs in relation to water allocation requires careful and timely attention to address an ever-growing range of complications arising from the impact of various interlinked considerations, such as sustainability of water resources, fairness, pollution, environment, basic services, development, competition, and globalization. National policies, both within the water sector and for the overall economy, need to accommodate these issues. The study reported in this note is part of a broader analysis of the sector. Its intent is to promote a stakeholders consultation process, development of a specific set of background papers to address the most pressing issues in water policy in the country. Finally, the study included the development of analytical models to assess the linkages and impacts of various policy instruments on the water sector and the economy with a focus on one river basin case study - Rio Bravo.