Persisting narratives undermine potential water scarcity solutions for informal areas of Mexico City: the case of two settlements in Xochimilco

Bertha Hernández Aguilar, Amy M. Lerner, David Manuel-Navarrete, J. Mario Siqueiros-García

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In Global South megacities, hazards related to climate change–such as water scarcity–are exacerbated by informal urban development. Limited access to public services, particularly those such as water which are considered human rights, require alternative solutions, each with its own trade-offs and costs. Cities’ decisions are often guided by socially constructed narratives.  This research explores three existing narratives on promoting water scarcity solutions in two informal communities of the Xochimilco municipality in Mexico City: (1) ‘formalizing informality’ (e.g., promoting grey infrastructure development); (2) ‘enhancing informality’ (e.g., improving the current system of delivery by water trucks); and (3) greening informality (e.g., capturing rainwater).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)919-937
Number of pages19
JournalWater International
Volume46
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Mexico City
  • Water scarcity
  • informal urbanization
  • water supply narratives

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Water Science and Technology
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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