More than half of rivers in Mexico have poor quality, according to a 2023 evaluation by CONAGUA
Water quality in Mexico showed worrying results in 2023, according to the evaluation carried out by the National Water Commission (Conagua). According to the data presented, 50.9% of surface water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and lagoons, obtained a negative rating in the quality traffic light, while 31.7% of underground sites were also classified as red.
The study included an analysis of physicochemical and microbiological parameters throughout the country, revealing that at least five rivers have very severe levels of contamination. Among them are the Atoyac River, in Puebla; the Papaloapan River, in Veracruz; the Pesquería River, in Nuevo León; the Zahuapan River, in Tlaxcala; and the Santiago River, in Jalisco.
The Atoyac River was noted for severe microbiological contamination throughout its course, in addition to the presence of chromium, aluminum, heavy metals, grease, oils, and other compounds. This pattern of severe contamination is a reflection of the conditions in several bodies of water in the country.
The evaluation of surface sites was based on eight parameters:
- biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5),
- chemical oxygen demand (COD),
- total suspended solids (TSS),
- fecal coliforms (FC),
- Escherichia coli,
- fecal enterococci,
- dissolved oxygen saturation (DO)
- acute toxicity
If one or more of the first four parameters did not meet the standards, the site was rated red. In contrast, partial compliance with the parameters resulted in a yellow rating and full compliance resulted in green.
In total, of the 450 surface sites evaluated, 21.8% obtained a yellow rating and 27.3% a green rating.
For underground sites, water quality was measured using 14 parameters, including fluoride, fecal coliform, arsenic, and lead, among others. If any of the first eight parameters were not met, the site was classified as red. Among the 606 underground sites assessed, 12.9% received a yellow rating, while 55.4% were classified as green.
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