Water Availability in Mexico Considering Quantity, Quality, and Uses

Abstract

In water supply planning, managers must assess both quantity and quality of sources. These assessments require adequate data, which is not always available, even in developed countries, and much less so in developing countries where the availability of water quality data is especially limited. Yet, most developing countries need to expand water supplies quickly, and methods for rapid assessment, with limited data, are needed. A method for such assessments is discussed and its application to Mexico, a rapidly-growing nation with an ambitious plan for the expansion of its water supply, is shown. The paper concludes with suggestions for how other developing nations can apply the concepts presented.