Ciapacov launches affordable purified water distribution in Colima

The Intermunicipal Commission of Potable Water and Sewerage of Colima and Villa de Álvarez (Ciapacov) has launched the ‘AguaBienestar’ program to sell and distribute purified water in 20-liter jugs. The initiative aims to provide affordable access to drinking water, with prices set at 5 pesos for refills at one of the 26 purification plants or 10 pesos for home delivery.

The program initially covers 17 neighborhoods in the Colima and Villa de Álvarez metropolitan area, focusing on regions identified by Coneval and INEGI as having high social lag. Plans are in place to expand coverage to 34 neighborhoods in the coming months. Distribution includes mobile units for home delivery, with priority given to elderly residents, female heads of household, and people with disabilities, as well as schools and workplaces.

To enable this service, local legislation regarding water service fees and rights was reformed in August 2024. Officials noted that the program is funded by savings achieved through the renegotiation of a wastewater treatment plant contract, which reportedly saved 1,500 million pesos.