Mexico water utilities collect payment for only 40% of supplied water

A BBVA Research report finds that Mexican water operators bill for just 4 of every 10 liters they supply. Only 53.3% of domestic connections and 72.1% of industrial ones have meters. On average, 5.5 liters are billed per 10 liters supplied, and only 69% of the billed amount is actually collected, equivalent to about four liters.

Physical (measurement) and commercial (collection) efficiency vary widely by state. Baja California Sur records the lowest physical (23%) and commercial (32%) efficiencies, while the State of México and Chiapas have the highest physical efficiencies (60% and 78%) but low commercial rates (34% and 40%). Quintana Roo and Aguascalientes show strong commercial efficiency (76%) but weak physical coverage (<40%). The best overall performers—physical over 50% and commercial over 80%—are Zacatecas, Nuevo León and Guanajuato.

Average water tariffs are 8.55 pesos per cubic meter, ranging from a low of 2.57 pesos in Tabasco to a high of 17.63 pesos in Mexico City. In 2024 there were 2,922 water operators, 87.2% public and 12.8% private. Revenue sources are 60.8% domestic consumption, 22.6% commercial, 10.4% industrial and 5.5% public services.