Evolution of Water Management in Mexican Municipalities: Study of a Decentralised Public Body in Los Altos de Jalisco (2013-2018)

Abstract

This paper addresses the advances and challenges in the water administration of a Decentralized Public Body in Los Altos de Jalisco (Mexico), which has evolved from centralist models to the current scheme where there is greater social participation. Using the basic principles of the Analytical Framework for Governance and Integrated Water Resource Management, strategic actors, nodal points, norms and a certain amount of social participation in decision-making have been identified, reflecting improvements in technical and administrative areas, which have generated tax recovery and a new water culture. However, there are still things to be done such as the elimination and control of water leaks, the expansion and optimisation of water treatment and reuse, the opening of more spaces for citizen participation and optimisation in the prioritisation of investment projects.