**Primary Article: Tijuana’s Aging Water Infrastructure Requires Urgent Replacement**
In Tijuana, at least 70 kilometers of concrete pipelines are outdated and in urgent need of replacement, as stated by Víctor Amador Barragán, the head of the Secretariat for Water Management, Sanitation, and Protection (Seproa) of Baja California. The aging infrastructure is located in several neighborhoods, including those in the Playas de Tijuana, Otay, and Las Huertas delegations. These areas are among the oldest in Tijuana, having been established prior to the 1990s, before the transition to PVC and plastic piping in newer developments.
Amador Barragán shared this information during a presentation before the local Congressional Commission on Energy and Hydraulic Resources. He highlighted the extensive work required to upgrade Tijuana’s water infrastructure. Jesús García Castro, the head of the Commission of Public Services for Tijuana and Rosarito (Cespt), announced that a financial allocation of 12 billion pesos has been secured to address the backlog of potable water pipelines and to extend service to underserved areas in both municipalities.
Additionally, under the framework of Act 328 of the International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA), a program is in place to manage runoff through 147 gates along the Tijuana River. These gates are part of the sewer systems that collect wastewater from communities. When these systems become overwhelmed due to aging infrastructure, they discharge into storm drains, increasing the risk of flooding and environmental hazards.
**Secondary Article: Broader Challenges with Water Infrastructure in Mexico**
Across Mexico, water infrastructure challenges are becoming increasingly critical, as outdated systems struggle to meet modern needs. Similar to the situation in Tijuana, many cities across the country face the pressing issue of aging water and sanitation infrastructure. In Mexico City, for instance, the ongoing reliance on a fragile pipeline network has led to frequent leaks and water shortages. Efforts are being made by local governments to secure funding and implement comprehensive upgrades, but progress is often slowed by bureaucratic hurdles and limited financial resources.
The Mexican government has prioritized investment in water infrastructure through various national initiatives, aiming to improve resilience against climate change, reduce water loss through leaks, and ensure reliable access to clean water for all citizens. However, as the demand for water continues to grow due to urbanization and population increase, achieving these goals will require coordinated efforts across all levels of government and significant financial investment.