# Water theft in Culiacán

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-theft-in-culiacn
> Updated: 2026-09-15T20:19:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In Culiacán, authorities are addressing a surge in illegal water theft, known locally as ‘aguachicol’. This issue involves clandestine connections and the manipulation of the hydraulic network.

Records from the Junta Municipal de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de Culiacán (JAPAC) indicate that between January 2024 and July 2026, the agency issued 24,701 sanctions for irregularities such as pipe manipulation and the violation of limiting seals. These infractions generated approximately 28 million pesos in revenue. The Alturas del Sur neighborhood recorded the highest number of sanctions, with 2,103 infractions documented in less than three years. While the city is working on supply expansion through the 207-million-peso South-West Water Treatment Plant, officials continue to combat these illegal extractions.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Sabinas faces water crisis and environmental sanctions

Sabinas, Mexico, faces a severe water crisis as authorities shut down SIMAS Sabinas for discharging untreated wastewater while local wells run dry due to depleted aquifers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sabinas-faces-water-crisis-and-environmental-sanctions

### 2026-08-31: Culiacán faces surge in illegal water theft and network manipulation

Culiacán authorities have issued over 24,000 sanctions for illegal water connections and network manipulation between 2024 and 2026, totaling nearly 28 million pesos in fines.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/culiacn-faces-surge-in-illegal-water-theft-and-network-manipulation

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Cite as: Water theft in Culiacán. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-theft-in-culiacn