Water Revolution in Guadalajara and Tucson! Clean Technologies Transform Water Management

In recent years, the cities of Guadalajara, Mexico, and Tucson, United States, have made significant advancements in implementing clean technologies for water management. These innovations focus on rainwater harvesting systems and wastewater treatment, crucial to addressing water challenges in both regions.

Advances in Guadalajara

Between 2017 and 2024, Guadalajara actively promoted the installation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SCALL) at the household level. These systems intercept, collect, and store rainwater for domestic use, reducing reliance on traditional sources and alleviating pressure on local aquifers. According to data from the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the adoption of SCALL in urban areas has increased by 35% during this period.

In addition, Guadalajara has invested in wastewater treatment plants with advanced technologies, increasing the percentage of treated wastewater from 50% in 2017 to 75% in 2024. This improvement has enhanced water quality and enabled its reuse in agricultural and industrial activities.

Innovations in Tucson

Tucson, known for its arid climate, has been a pioneer in adopting rainwater harvesting systems. Between 2017 and 2024, the city implemented policies that incentivized residents to install harvesting systems, offering subsidies and technical support. As a result, an estimated 40% of households in Tucson now have some type of rainwater harvesting system, significantly contributing to domestic water supply and reducing demand on conventional sources.

Regarding wastewater treatment, Tucson has integrated cutting-edge technologies that allow treated water to be reused for irrigation and aquifer recharge. Treatment capacity has increased by 30% since 2017, positioning the city as a leader in sustainable water management.

Statistical Comparison 2017-2024

Challenges for 2025

Despite the progress, both cities face challenges heading into 2025:

• Initial Investment and Costs: Implementing clean technologies requires significant investment. Developing financing schemes to make these solutions viable, especially for low-income communities, is essential. 

• Training and Professionalization: Efficient water management depends on skilled personnel. Continuous training programs that integrate gender perspectives and encourage community participation are crucial. 

• Technological Innovation: Incorporating new technologies is vital to optimizing water use. Incentives must be created for adopting real-time monitoring and water management systems to reduce waste across all sectors. 

• Citizen Participation and Environmental Education: Promoting a culture of water sustainability is fundamental. Public policies should encourage active citizen participation in resource management and the adoption of sustainable practices.

Leadership Perspectives

Guadalajara and Tucson have shown that implementing clean water management technologies is both feasible and beneficial, paving the way toward water sustainability. However, the future success of these efforts will depend on their ability to overcome economic, technical, and social barriers.

Ana Guarinos López, Mayor of Guadalajara, recently emphasized at a water sustainability conference that "the region faces increasing pressure on its resources due to urban growth and climate change." Guarinos highlighted the importance of investments in rainwater harvesting systems and wastewater treatment while stressing the need for community involvement. "Citizens must be active participants in the solution, from responsible water use to the implementation of sustainable domestic systems. Without this collective commitment, the impact will be limited," she concluded.

Similarly, Regina Romero, Mayor of Tucson, highlighted her city’s achievements in integrating advanced technologies but also pointed out the challenges ahead. At a recent binational forum on water resources, Romero stated, "We have made progress in reusing treated water and rainwater harvesting, but we must look toward a future where every drop of water is managed with precision and efficiency." She also emphasized the need to strengthen cross-border collaborations, affirming, "Water challenges do not respect borders, and we must work together to ensure the water resilience of our communities."

Both leaders agree that 2025 will be a pivotal year for consolidating current policies and exploring new strategies. Challenges for both cities not only include technological implementation but also building collective awareness to drive long-term sustainability. As Guadalajara and Tucson strengthen their local strategies, their joint efforts in forums and bilateral collaborations chart a promising path toward more sustainable and equitable water management.

Written by: Editorial Team