Mexican citizens and legislators call for water billing reforms

In Mexico, citizens and legislators are demanding greater transparency and accuracy regarding water utility billing. In Ahome, Sinaloa, the group Vigilantes Ciudadanos Por la Transparencia de Sinaloa A. C. has called on JAPAMA to restore the minimum water consumption requirement to 20 cubic meters. Representative Guillermo Padilla Montiel argued that the current 12-meter minimum is unjustified because drought conditions have subsided, claiming the reduction is a disguised tariff increase that violates legality.

Separately, legislator Gerardo Peña Flores has proposed that state and municipal water commissions (COMAPAS) conduct performance audits and professional calibrations of water meters. This proposal follows numerous citizen complaints regarding unjustified increases in water bills. Peña Flores noted instances where families saw their bimonthly bills nearly double despite no change in consumption habits. He suggested that when incorrect measurements are proven, users should receive credits toward future bills to ensure economic justice.