Mexico’s Water Law Reform Approved Amid Farmer Protests

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved on Wednesday night, in general terms, the bill that establishes the new General Water Law and modifies various provisions of the National Water Law.

The vote took place in a tense atmosphere, with 328 votes in favor, 131 against, and 5 abstentions. The session was marked by shouting, interruptions from the benches, and confrontations between different political groups.

This bill introduces significant changes to the country’s water regime. One of the most notable aspects is the modification of Article 22 of the National Water Law, which prohibits the transfer of concessions between private parties.

According to the new text, “the rights covered by concessions and allocations shall not be subject to transfer.” Furthermore, any movement of water volumes must be carried out exclusively through reassignments authorized by the Water Authority through streamlined procedures.

From the podium, the president of the Water Resources Commission, Elizabeth Cervantes, defended the bill as a historic advance in water protection.

In her speech, she emphasized that this project was developed with active participation from society. “Today is not just any day; it is a historic day. Water can no longer be a privilege. It is a human right that should not be treated as a commodity. This legislative product did not emerge from closed offices; it was the result of dialogue and joint construction with the people,” she stated.

Cervantes explained that the new concession structure seeks to prevent abuses and ensure legal certainty. She highlighted that the public registry, the prohibition of concessions for mining waste, and incentives for water efficiency are measures that correct practices that profited for decades from this vital resource.

The discussion intensified as opponents took the floor. From Movimiento Ciudadano, Deputy Hugo Luna accused Morena of breaking dialogue and closing the door to substantial changes. “We all thought Morena had understood that it could not run over everyone; unfortunately, they have disappointed us,” he expressed.

The legislator warned that the process had been rushed while the government continued negotiating with farmers. He also pointed out that the new rules for reassigning volumes create uncertainty about the future of wells. Additionally, there is concern about the role of the Water Authority in decisions that previously allowed transfers between private parties.

Farmers Protest Against Water Law

Farmers and transport leaders stated that the approval of the Water Law in committees in the Chamber of Deputies is “unacceptable.” They considered it “a great betrayal” by Morena and the PT party.

“The fact is that we had a deal after working all night with the Federal Government, with the officials. At the last minute, they wanted to change it and changed it to something unacceptable for farmers. That’s how we told them, that it was not acceptable, and we had to leave. This morning, when they put the law forward, they are passing it,” declared Baltazar Valdés, president of Campesinos Unidos de Sinaloa and representative of the National Front for the Rescue of the Countryside.