Mexico debates water service privatization and fragmentation

In the state of San Luis Potosí, the head of the State Water Council, Jonathan Abraham Quintero García, warned that dismantling or fragmenting the water operator Interapas would worsen inequities. He cited low efficiency scores, obsolete infrastructure and the risk of higher costs, duplicated bureaucracy and reduced investment capacity. Quintero emphasized that “water does not recognize political‑administrative limits” and that splitting its management would deepen access gaps for municipalities such as Soledad de Graciano Sánchez and Villa de Pozos.

Meanwhile, Jalisco’s cabinet chief Alberto Esquer formally denied any move to privatize the state’s water service. He clarified that private participation is limited to construction projects, such as the Chapala aqueduct, stating, “the private initiative does not enter SIAPA, it does not enter the administration of water; it only enters the construction.” Esquer also highlighted chronic financial problems at the public water agency SIAPA and said reforms are needed to “cure” its historic backlog.

Both officials argue that water provision should remain under public control while addressing infrastructure deficits.