Sabinas faces water crisis and environmental sanctions

The municipality of Sabinas, Coahuila, is facing a dual crisis involving environmental violations and severe water shortages. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has ordered the total temporary closure of activities by the Municipal System of Water and Sanitation (SIMAS Sabinas) regarding its discharge of untreated wastewater into the Aguililla stream.

Profepa's decision follows the agency's failure to implement corrective measures ordered in 2024. Inspections revealed that SIMAS Sabinas was discharging untreated sewage without measuring volumes, performing required laboratory analyses, or obtaining necessary authorizations from the National Water Commission. This action stems from citizen complaints regarding illegal discharges into the Sabinas River.

Simultaneously, Sabinas Mayor José Feliciano “Chano” Díaz Iribarren has acknowledged a serious potable water crisis caused by critically low aquifer and well levels. The shortage has forced the city to deploy water trucks to various neighborhoods, including Centenario, Sarabia, and Flores Magón. The Mayor noted that wells must be periodically shut down to allow for minimal recovery, while citizens have expressed indignation over perceived water waste in public spaces during the shortage.