Yellow water comes out, but you can drink it.

Residents of Rincón de la Montaña, a residential area in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico, have been facing water quality issues for over two decades. Despite the liquid often appearing yellow or brown and occasionally causing pump failures that disrupt supply, local officials from the water agency SAPASA told residents they can still drink the water. This statement came after community members raised concerns about the long-standing problem with their water supply. The issue dates back to 2006, when the former municipal government prohibited the developer Homex from selling more than 600 apartments and using a well due to concerns over water quality. However, residents say the water continues to flow through the hydraulic network from that location, and they are still charged by SAPASA despite the unresolved problem. The water has frequently turned yellow or brown, and at least twice a year, the pump breaks down, leaving residents without access to water. Some have purchased filtration devices in an attempt to ensure the water is safe for consumption. The situation has persisted under the current mayor, Pedro Rodríguez Villegas, who has served three terms without addressing the issue. In Rincón de la Montaña, there are 50 towers housing approximately 1,500 apartments. Residents pay around 500 pesos per bimonthly period for water service, but when the supply is interrupted, they rely on tankers costing approximately 2,500 pesos. Even during these interruptions, SAPASA continues to charge based on meter readings when water flows through the system. A neighbor recently requested an inspection of the water quality, and officials confirmed the water appears yellow but stated it is still potable. Following discussions with SAPASA representatives from Atizapán de Zaragoza, authorities committed to sending 20 tankers with clean drinking water to the area by August 17. They also pledged to remove the broken pump from the well. Residents have expressed frustration over the ongoing situation, noting that the water quality has remained poor for years while they continue to be billed for services that fail to meet basic standards. The reliance on tankers has become a costly necessity, adding financial strain to households already burdened by regular utility expenses. Despite the recent commitment from SAPASA, many remain skeptical about whether this will lead to a permanent solution. The water supply issue highlights broader challenges faced by communities dependent on aging infrastructure and inconsistent maintenance. While temporary relief measures such as tanker deliveries provide immediate assistance, they do not address the underlying problems affecting the water distribution system. Local officials have yet to implement long-term fixes, leaving residents to navigate an unreliable and potentially hazardous water supply. Residents continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping that the promised actions from SAPASA will translate into lasting improvements. Until then, they must manage with intermittent access to water and the added costs associated with alternative supply methods. The community's experience underscores the need for sustained investment in public utilities and transparent communication from local authorities regarding infrastructure challenges.