A comprehensive approach for the assessment of shared aquifers: the case of Mexico City

Mexico City depends heavily on shared aquifers; more than 72 % of the water supply is pumped from four aquifers shared by neighboring states. The overlap in competition between federal and local management agencies and the lack of coordination and planning at different levels inhibit efforts toward regional management of this highly demanded resource. An approach integrating the concepts of uses–problems and policy life cycle, with the driving force–pressure–state–impact–response framework was applied to identify key issues and select indicators tailored to the local problems. The issues were analyzed and developed into the components, describing the causality chain from driving forces to impacts and response. Thus, variables grouped into driving forces, pressures, states, impacts and responses were identified, which can be used as indicators for assessment and management of shared aquifers. The proposed structure seems to be appropriate to harmonize information needs and indicators, and to support cooperation between agencies in charge of management and development of the shared aquifers supplying Mexico City.