Guadalajara residents block light rail and roads over water quality

Residents of El Sauz and surrounding neighborhoods in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, including San Pedro Tlaquepaque, staged protests on Monday, October 5, 2026, to demand solutions for poor water quality. Demonstrators blocked Colón Avenue and the tracks of Line 1 of the Guadalajara Light Rail, causing a service suspension of approximately five hours.

Protesters reported that the water supplied to their homes arrived with dark or yellowish discoloration, sediments, and unpleasant odors, making it unsuitable for drinking, cooking, or hygiene. In response to the demonstrations, the water utility SIAPA stated that part of the supply comes from the Las Pintas dam through an old system and noted that work is underway to strengthen the Miravalle Potabilization Plant No. 1 and clean distribution lines.

Following the peaceful protest, the Urban Electric Train System (SITEUR) began gradually restoring service to Line 1 after the tracks were cleared near the España station. Residents have called for transparent public studies to determine the exact composition of the water being distributed.