Cancún’s Water Crisis: Residents Forced to Buy Water Daily

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Residents in at least ten neighborhoods of Cancún are facing severe shortages of potable water, forcing them to rely on purchased water from trucks and bottles to meet basic needs. The concessionaire Aguakan has failed to address the ongoing crisis, according to frustrated locals interviewed during a weekend survey conducted by PorEsto!.

Chronic Water Shortages Across Multiple Neighborhoods

The affected areas include Regions 100, 101, 102, 103, 202, 203, 222, 227, 234, and 237, where residents report prolonged interruptions in service. Many have resorted to buying garrafones (large water jugs) or hiring water trucks to sustain daily hygiene and cooking needs.

Carlos, a resident of one of the impacted zones, expressed frustration: “We arrived in Cancún a few weeks ago, and most of the time, we’ve had no water. No matter how much we report it, there’s no solution. Today, we checked the pipes thinking it was an internal issue, but the meter showed not a single drop. Neighbors say this is normal—it’s ridiculous.”

Laura, from Region 222, shared her workaround: “After years here, we installed a water tank near the meter to store reserves. The pressure from Aguakan isn’t enough to fill the rooftop tank.”

Juan, a resident of Region 237, described the financial strain: “We’ve gone over a week without water. In 15 days, I’ve spent more than 500 pesos on garrafons, including the containers themselves. My children need water to bathe before school, and for cooking. I shower at the hotel where I work because they have running water. This is unsustainable.”

Business Booms for Water Sellers, But Crisis Deepens

A water dispenser near Regions 202 and 219 reported a tripling in sales due to the shortages. While profitable for vendors, the trend underscores the severity of the crisis. Germán, a customer, lamented: “I buy two garrafons daily just for my partner and me. It’s unfair to pay for a water bill and get no service.”

Aguakan’s Silence and Government Inaction

Despite repeated complaints, Aguakan has not provided solutions, leaving residents to fend for themselves. The state water agency, CAPA, has previously claimed readiness to manage water and drainage systems in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, but the situation remains unresolved.

The ongoing crisis highlights systemic failures in Quintana Roo’s water infrastructure, with no immediate relief in sight for affected residents.