22. Some Considerations Regarding Water Management in Mexico: Towards an Integrated Management System

This paper describes the situation of water resources in Mexico in terms of scarcity, inequality and pollution, and explains how water management has changed in the country through time, responding to international best practices and to intentions to overcome difficulties. The paper tries to show that despite recent policy efforts implemented in order to improve the functioning of water management units (basins), there are still many difficulties facing authorities. It highlights the potential role of prices since they can change incentives, and their absence promotes overuse and encourages inequalities. It also acknowledges that infrastructure in the country is still deficient, especially in terms of irrigation infrastructure for agriculture. After explaining how authorities have tried to establish mechanisms to deal with water management problems, the paper concludes saying that water management problems in Mexico could be reduced through an integrated management system, where all stakeholders are given standing yet where social benefits prevail over individual interests.