Aguakan Leads Wastewater Reuse Initiative in Quintana Roo to Combat Water Stress

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The water utility Aguakan has positioned itself as a leader in wastewater reuse, promoting the practice as a viable alternative to urban water stress in Mexico’s southeastern state of Quintana Roo.

The concessionaire, which operates in the northern part of the state, uses advanced technology to treat wastewater for irrigating parks, gardens, and sports fields. This approach helps reduce pressure on natural aquifers and preserves the region’s unique environment across the four municipalities it serves.

Aguakan processes a significant volume of the wastewater collected in its concession areas, achieving sanitation levels that exceed national averages, according to standards set by the National Water Commission. The company allocates this treated water for non-potable uses, prioritizing the recovery of public spaces and efficient urban irrigation.

This reuse model transforms what was once waste into a strategic asset for the region’s economic and social development. Aguakan’s system involves collecting wastewater and subjecting it to rigorous physical, chemical, and biological purification at its multiple treatment centers.

Once the water meets required quality standards, the company distributes it for activities that do not require potability, such as cleaning infrastructure or forest maintenance. This practice optimizes the state’s water inventory and protects public health, strictly complying with microbiological limits set by environmental legislation.

Aguakan manages over 2,000 kilometers of sanitary drainage in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, ensuring efficient coverage. The company currently operates 14 specialized treatment plants where expert technicians carry out cleaning processes under international certifications, including the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

The company ensures the water cycle does not end when water leaves households, as it injects processed water more than 100 meters deep into the saline mantle. This reintegration method into the subsurface verifies that the resource returns to the environment in optimal conditions, protecting fragile cenote and reef ecosystems.