Chapala-area activists are already voicing strong opposition to Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro’s March 31 announcement that he is considering the construction of a second aqueduct from Lake Chapala to supply the increasingly water-hungry Guadalajara metropolitan area (ZMG).
Long-time critics of the proposal suspect that the real goal is to increase water extractions, potentially endangering the lake’s long-term sustainability.
“This isn’t about taking more water from Chapala—on the contrary, it’s about taking less, using a new, much more modern system,” Lemus stated, revealing that he is seeking financing from the state-owned development bank Banobras to help cover the project’s estimated cost of 6.5 billion pesos.
Experts have long warned that the current aqueduct, which has been in operation since 1989, is nearing the end of its lifespan. The pipeline, which feeds from the pumping station at Santa Cruz de la Soledad, is plagued by leaks, aging infrastructure, and mineral buildup that reduces its capacity.
Lemus is now echoing those concerns, stating, “If the current Chapala aqueduct were to collapse, most of the Guadalajara metropolitan area would be left without water.”
Ironically, this marks a shift from the stance Lemus took before assuming office last December. While campaigning in May, he insisted, “I am not in favor of new systems that take more water from Chapala. I believe we should strengthen supply through other sources.” However, he acknowledged at the time that the alternative source—the Zapotillo Dam—would need at least two full rainy seasons to reach full capacity.
Now, Lemus appears convinced that a new pipeline is necessary, though he insists it will not exceed the city’s annual allotment of 240 million cubic meters from the lake.
A replacement aqueduct would also provide an opportunity to eliminate the open-air Canal de Atequiza, another aging and inefficient conduit that channels water from Chapala to the ZMG.