Tecamachalco residents demand action over San Joaquín Dam pollution

Residents of Tecamachalco and surrounding areas in the State of Mexico are demanding urgent action to address the pollution of the San Joaquín Dam. The Asociación de Colonos de Tecamachalco A. C. has issued a formal call to authorities, including the National Water Commission (Conagua), SEGIAGUA, and the State of Mexico Water Commission (CAEM), to implement a comprehensive sanitation project.

For over a decade, the dam has functioned as an open sewer, receiving wastewater from various points across the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. This has resulted in persistent foul odors that force families to keep their doors and windows closed and, in some cases, have caused residents to temporarily abandon their homes.

Beyond the public health risks affecting an estimated 144,000 inhabitants, the pollution is causing economic damage. Local commerce has suffered due to decreased demand, and the real estate market in the area has declined, leaving new properties vacant. Meni Cohen, president of the residents' association, stated: "The health of our neighbors cannot continue to depend on the wind or on it raining so that the bad odors disappear for a few hours."