Mexico Drought: Affected Areas and Dam Levels

Water Levels in Mexican Dams and Lakes During Drought

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Published in 05-12-2025

Mexico Drought: Affected Areas and Dam Levels

Mexico is grappling with a severe drought affecting approximately 46.5% of its territory, impacting 596 municipalities across the nation. The northwest region, including states like Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Baja California, is experiencing extreme drought conditions, with some areas classified as "exceptional drought" (D4) by the National Water Commission (Conagua) .

Causes of the Drought
Several factors contribute to the current drought crisis in Mexico:

Climate Phenomena: The La Niña climate pattern has led to reduced rainfall, exacerbating dry conditions in the northwest .
High Temperatures: Prolonged heatwaves have increased evaporation rates, diminishing water availability .
Overexploitation of Water Resources: Intensive agricultural practices and rapid urbanization have strained existing water supplies.

Mexico Water Scarcity: Dams and Lakes Under Strain

Photo: El Sol de Sinaloa "X".
Most Affected States
The drought has severely impacted several states:

Chihuahua: 27 municipalities are in extreme drought, and 24 face exceptional drought conditions .
Sinaloa: Dam storage levels have plummeted to 11.8%, the lowest in 30 years .
Sonora and Baja California: These states are experiencing intensified drought due to lack of rainfall .

Impact on Reservoirs and Lakes
Key water bodies are at critically low levels:

La Amistad and Falcon Dams: These reservoirs are nearly empty, complicating water delivery commitments to the United States under the 1944 Water Treaty .
Bustillos Lagoon: Water levels have dropped to 50% of typical capacity, leading to increased pollutant concentrations and fish die-offs .

Forecasts
The drought is expected to persist until mid-2025, with the rainy season anticipated to begin around July. However, the severity of the drought may intensify in the coming months due to continued lack of precipitation .

Photo: Conagua Mexico.

Government Measures
The Mexican government, through Conagua, has implemented several strategies to mitigate the drought's impact:

Water Rationing: Implementing mandatory water usage reductions in severely affected areas .
Water Delivery: Distributing water via trucks to communities facing critical shortages .
Infrastructure Investment: Allocating up to 186.5 billion pesos over five years to improve water infrastructure, including the construction of new dams, aqueducts, and desalination plants .
International Agreements: Reaching an accord with the United States for the immediate transfer of water from the Rio Grande to Texas farmers, ensuring compliance with international treaties .

Mexico's 2025 drought underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and infrastructure development. Continued government efforts and international cooperation are essential to address the current crisis and build resilience against future water scarcity challenges.

For more detailed information, visit Conagua's official drought monitoring page: Monitor de Sequía en México.