Illegal water intake shut down in Puebla; nearly 3 million liters extracted daily

An inter-institutional operation in Puebla, Mexico, has led to the closure of a clandestine water intake point in the Santa María neighborhood of San Pablo Xochimehuacan. The operation uncovered a well operating without a concession, equipped with a submersible pump and four loading docks for water tanker trucks.

The National Water Commission (Conagua) reported that agents from the Public Ministry, state police, the National Guard, and the Mexican Army participated in the crackdown. They confirmed that the well lacked a valid concession for extracting and utilizing water. Four individuals were arrested while filling their vehicles with water at the site.

In addition to the illegal well, authorities identified a connection to the municipal water system. Pressure measurements indicated an illegal draw of at least 40 liters per second, which translates to approximately 3.5 million liters per day. This volume was intended to supply roughly 35,000 residents daily.

Conagua stated that the determination of responsibilities and any applicable sanctions will be handled by the relevant authorities. The seized infrastructure included 10 water tanker trucks. The investigation aims to curb illegal water extraction that deprives legal users and potentially impacts the municipal supply.