BINATIONAL WATER CRISIS ALERT! A Bold Strategy to Save Lake Chapala

Editorial
Jun 10
3 min read

BINATIONAL WATER ALERT InterMayors Magazine

In 2024, Lake Chapala—the largest natural reservoir in Mexico and the main water source for Guadalajara and its metropolitan area—saw a slight recovery after hitting critical lows the previous year. Although it was only at 43% capacity in March 2024, the level rose modestly by mid-year, ending the spring season at 53.3% water storage compared to the 43.4% at the start of the year. This figure represents 4.335 billion cubic meters—a notable increase, though still about 33% below the lake's maximum storage capacity of approximately 8.126 billion cubic meters.

To understand this shifting balance, it is essential to examine several key initiatives that bring together state, federal, community, and academic efforts in Mexico, as well as institutional collaboration with the United States. Within Mexico, the Jalisco State Water Commission reports a total management volume of 7.897 billion cubic meters, covering 114,659 hectares—86% in Jalisco and 14% in Michoacán—and supplying nearly 60% of the water for the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area.

The conservation strategies implemented in 2024 included wetland restoration, reforestation of the watershed, modernization of water treatment plants, and educational campaigns. Mexican universities, now grouped under a climate action alliance launched in June 2025, have reinforced the scientific and community aspects of these efforts. In parallel, the Border 2025 Program—led by the U.S. EPA and Mexico’s SEMARNAT—has advanced shared goals on water quality, sanitation, and environmental resilience across border regions. While it doesn’t directly cover Lake Chapala, it offers a framework for binational institutional cooperation.

On the U.S. side, technical assistance led by the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC/CILA) included lending water-pumping equipment and developing binational plans to improve water management. Additionally, in November 2024, the two nations reached a framework agreement to adjust Mexico’s water deliveries to the U.S., which includes economic and energy incentives—though officials warned that full compensation for water users may not be feasible before October 2025.

These efforts produced tangible results: Lake Chapala’s water level stood at 53%—up from 43% earlier in the year—and satellite dams like Calderón, La Red, and El Salto saw water storage increases ranging from 30 to 50 percentage points compared to 2023. Furthermore, during the first half of 2024, Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA) inspected over 2,551 water permits within the basin, reaching approximately 64% of its annual goal, and issued 654 sanctions—exceeding enforcement targets by 109%.

However, these gains coexist with systemic threats. Ongoing sedimentation, agro-industrial contamination, and rainfall deficits continue to erode the lake’s storage capacity. Drought conditions not only threaten the ecosystem but also regional stability and binational confidence. While water levels have rebounded, they remain well below optimal thresholds, limiting the lake’s potential as a reliable source of water and ecological lifeline.

Radical strategy will save Lake Chapala InterMayors Magazine

Key Binational Challenges for 2025

First, scaling community and technological management is essential. Strengthening the Mexican university network and equipping communities with smart sensors and U.S.-based technical training would enable a more dynamic and transparent approach to water governance. A Binational Expert Forum could replicate successful models from the Border 2025 initiative to incorporate Lake Chapala into hybrid governance schemes.

Second, economic models must be reimagined. Encouraging sustainable income-generating projects linked to wetland restoration and ecotourism would boost the regional economy, reduce extractive pressures, and enhance citizen oversight of water quality.

Third, water sanitation infrastructure must be expanded. The rehabilitation and expansion of wastewater treatment plants throughout the Lerma basin should align with federal resources and trilateral cooperation (Mexico–U.S.–NGOs) to reduce pollutant inflow into the lake. The recent uptick in inspections is an excellent starting point, but it must be followed by consistent monitoring and organized civic participation.

Fourth, binational strategy must evolve from technical agreements to enforceable pacts. The November 2024 agreement showed political willingness, but concrete operational protocols are needed to ensure Mexico’s water deliveries to the U.S. do not undermine Chapala’s ecological reserves.

BINATIONAL WATER ALERT InterMayors Magazine Infographic Spanish

ELooking Ahead: 2025 as a Watershed Moment

Lake Chapala could become a regional model of resilience if economic, technological, and community incentives are aligned; if the U.S. and Mexico consolidate a shared water agenda that goes beyond treaty compliance; and if local communities take center stage as water managers. However, without firm coordination, sustainable funding, and long-term commitment, recent improvements could vanish in the face of drought, climate change, and economic pressure.

The challenge is massive: to ensure Chapala not only survives but thrives as a binational example of water management—balancing human development with ecological preservation. If we succeed, the lake will become more than just water: it will be a symbol of cooperation and a shared investment in the future.