Volume 3: Issue 2 | Community Adoption of Ecotechnology: A participatory study of rainwater harvesting initiatives in Mexico City

With rapid urbanization and an ongoing climate crisis, water insecurity is becoming an increasingly global concern – one which disproportionately impacts vulnerable and underserved communities. Like other megacities, Mexico City is confronted by this challenge particularly in unplanned peri-urban settlements, where reliable centralized municipal water services are often lacking. It is vital to improve water access and sanitation in these underserved areas, as the lack of reliably clean water can lead to higher risks of waterborne diseases, including cholera and hepatitis A. A transdisciplinary approach that engages multiple stakeholders and integrates scientific innovations, hydrological data, government policies, local community adaptation and behavioural change remains necessary to tackle water insecurity. On this front, multiple mitigation strategies have emerged to improve water management and access to safe drinking water. However, further research is necessary to address concerns around safe management and long-term sustainability of these strategies. In this CRI, we report on a study that promotes evidence-based policy recommendations on rainwater harvesting in Mexico City. As a decentralized tool for collecting and storing rainwater, this strategy presents a public policy option to address growing water security challenges in megacities in the Global South. Covering the opportunities and barriers to responsible and sustainable adoption of this decentralized technology, this report addresses gaps in guidance policies and public awareness on water management, quality, and safety and it highlights the importance of evidence-based solutions that consider community engagement, municipal regulations, and technical support.