Mexico City is sinking due to the overuse of aquifers for water supply, causing infrastructure damage and threatening water supplies and architecture. The city was originally built on an island in Lake Texcoco, which was drained by the Spanish. The sinking is caused by poor conservation and seismic activity. The Center for Ecology and Development of UNAM suggests immediate action to preserve the city’s infrastructure and architecture, including rainwater harvesting and water conservation projects.
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is in fact sinking. Indeed, it is estimated that during the 20th century the city sank approximately 20 to 29m. Take a dry lake bed, an extremely thirsty population, poor conservation, and seismically active soil underfoot, and you have a serious problem. This thriving metropolis of about 36 million (and rapidly growing) is facing serious problems that threaten its infrastructure, water supplies, and irreplaceable architecture if the problem isn’t fixed soon.
Mexico City was originally founded in the 1300s on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco. As the small island outgrew artificial islands and a network of canals were built. Causeways were built between the mainland and the islands, and are what the modern main roads of Mexico City are built upon today. In the 1500s, Spain gained control of the region and drained most of the lake. A small portion of Lake Texcoco still exists, near the city. Flooding continues to be a concern due to the city being below the current lake level and located in a depression.
The reason Mexico City is sinking is simple. The city’s main water supply – over 70% – comes from pumping water from aquifers under the city that were part of the original lake. Water is siphoned off faster than it is replaced by natural sources, such as precipitation. While the region has significant rainfall, it occurs within a short period of time and the infrastructure is not geared towards rainwater harvesting and purification. The city’s residents consume a large amount of water, much of which is obtained through illegal hookups. Not only do they consume a lot of water, but much of it is wasted – up to 40% by some estimates – due to poor storage, leaks, misplaced pipes and poor waste treatment.
Evidence of Mexico City’s sinking is everywhere, from cracked streets and sidewalks to loose foundations and crooked balconies. The Angel of Independence monument, completed in 1910, is a striking example of the city’s problem. Twenty-three steps were added to access the statue because the city has collapsed around it. Railways and subway lines are under threat due to fractured tracks and unstable foundations. Another major problem facing Mexico City is the effect of the sinking on its plumbing and sewage systems. About 25% of the population doesn’t even have fresh water plumbing due to broken and misplaced pipes.
The Center for Ecology and Development of the National Independent University of Mexico (UNAM), plus several other agencies, have suggested taking immediate and drastic action to preserve not only the city’s infrastructure, but also its gems. architectural. An ongoing project is a system to harvest rainwater more efficiently to reduce the demand on groundwater aquifers. Other projects are promoting water conservation. As part of Mexico City has been designated a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, it is sure to receive the international attention and assistance it needs to save the city.
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