Yucatán Brewery Sparks Water Scarcity Fears

Mérida, Yucatán — The announcement of a new brewery construction in the municipality of Kanasín has sparked concerns among local activists, who warn of potential risks to Yucatán’s already strained water supply. Edna Hernández, spokesperson for the Antorchista Movement in Yucatán, criticized the lack of clear regulations for water usage by the brewery, emphasizing the ongoing scarcity affecting low-income communities.

A Controversial Investment

The government has promoted the brewery as a major economic boost, with an investment of $2.75 billion USD expected to generate 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. However, Hernández questioned the absence of oversight for groundwater extraction. “Authorities have celebrated this project without addressing how water resources will be managed,” she stated.

Warnings of an Impending Crisis

Hernández referenced warnings from experts, including Dr. Diana Sánchez Herrera, a tropical ecology specialist, who predicted a water crisis in Yucatán within two years due to declining quality and availability. “The government must regulate concessions for this brewery while ensuring solutions for residents who lack access to water,” she said.

She highlighted contamination from poultry and pork industries as a key factor in the depletion of Yucatán’s water supply, alongside unregulated consumption by beverage companies. “There’s a misconception that Yucatán has abundant water, but it’s being exhausted—not by locals, but by large corporations,” Hernández asserted.

Comparisons to Northern States

The activist drew parallels to northern Mexican states like Nuevo León, Baja California, and Sonora, where breweries operate amid severe water shortages. “Last year, northern states faced dire shortages, disproportionately impacting low-income families who couldn’t afford water deliveries,” she noted.

Hernández urged Yucatán residents to demand stricter regulations to prevent a “Day Zero” scenario, where taps run dry. “These companies exploit water without restrictions, while marginalized communities go without. We must act now to ensure equitable access,” she insisted.

Projected Water Consumption

Reports indicate the brewery could consume over 30 million cubic meters of water annually, exacerbating shortages in neighborhoods already lacking potable water. While officials emphasize the economic benefits, critics argue the environmental and social costs remain unaddressed.