Government of Puebla (MEX)

The Government of Puebla, under Governor Alejandro Armenta, operates the active restoration programme of Lake Valsequillo — one of Mexico's most ecologically and socially significant reservoirs — deploying a unique technology of mobile in-situ advanced oxidation units, which has achieved a 60% reduction in chemical oxygen demand in its waters. This eliminates the methane produced by anaerobic conditions, translating into a reduction of more than 60,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emitted annually into the atmosphere of Puebla. The programme operates through a coordinated institutional framework involving CONAGUA, the Mexican Navy, IPN and BUAP.

In 2025, the programme was formally integrated into President Sheinbaum's National Water Plan, scaling wastewater treatment across the Atoyac basin and establishing the Lake Valsequillo Rescue Committee as a permanent governance structure. The initiative combines measurable carbon and methane outcomes with community-based programmes promoting sustainable livelihoods around the lake.

This model directly addresses the conditions identified in the UNU-INWEH Global Water Bankruptcy report (2026), translating national water policy into verified ecosystem action at the watershed level.

Score: 91

Reference:

https://desdelasilla.com.mx/el-viejo-titan-del-riego-despierta-valsequillo-y-la-apuesta-tecnologica-de-alejandro-armenta/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13762-024-05577

https://www.bnamericas.com/es/reportajes/mexico-oficializa-politica-hidrica-con-metas-regulatorias-hacia-2030