Tulum’s Water Crisis Leaves Thousands Without Clean Water

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The municipality of Tulum is facing a severe water crisis driven by lagging infrastructure and unregulated urban growth, leaving thousands of residents without reliable access to potable water and functional drainage systems. While hotels and luxury developments along the coast enjoy uninterrupted service, marginalized neighborhoods receive only four hours of water supply per day.

Infrastructure Struggles to Keep Pace with Population Growth

According to the 2020 Population and Housing Census by Inegi, Tulum’s population reached 46,721 inhabitants, marking a 43.75% increase since 2010. However, water distribution and collection networks have failed to expand at the same rate.

In 2023, the State Water and Sewer Commission (CAPA) launched a desalination plant capable of producing 50 liters per second, benefiting approximately 31,000 residents. Despite this effort, neighborhoods such as La Veleta, Cristal, YaxTulum, and Martitez continue to experience limited water access, with low pressure and daily four-hour supply windows. The community of Chemuyil faces additional challenges, including contamination and malfunctions at its treatment plant.

Thousands Left Without Basic Services

The General Pluricultural Ethnic Committee of Tulum reports that at least 14 irregular settlements lack access to potable water, drainage, and electricity, affecting more than 6,500 families. These deficiencies have led to outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases, increased mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and Zika, and contamination of the groundwater table, which many residents still rely on for direct consumption.

Aging pipelines, frequent leaks, and outdated systems exacerbate the crisis. Demand for water surges during the hot season, yet infrastructure has remained largely unchanged for over a decade.

Disparities Between Tourism Zones and Marginalized Communities

While coastal areas housing hotels and luxury developments receive continuous water supply through private services, underserved neighborhoods struggle with chronic shortages. Authorities have proposed a new water catchment zone with a capacity of 576 liters per second, but bureaucratic, budgetary, and social obstacles have delayed implementation.

Tulum requires a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes sustained public investment, responsible urban planning, and immediate attention to the most affected areas to ensure equitable access to water for all residents.