Articles | Volume 376
https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-376-57-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-376-57-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
A half-baked solution: drivers of water crises in Mexico
Jonatan Godinez Madrigal
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, IHE-Delft,
Delft, 2601 DA, the Netherlands
Department of Water Management, TU Delft, Delft, 2628 CN, the
Netherlands
Pieter van der Zaag
Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, IHE-Delft,
Delft, 2601 DA, the Netherlands
Department of Water Management, TU Delft, Delft, 2628 CN, the
Netherlands
Nora van Cauwenbergh
Department of Integrated Water Systems and Governance, IHE-Delft,
Delft, 2601 DA, the Netherlands
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Our research studies whether science depoliticizes water conflicts or instead conflicts politicize science–policy processes. We analyze a water conflict due to the development of large infrastructure. We interviewed key actors in the conflict and replicated the results of water resources models developed to solve the conflict. We found that knowledge produced in isolation has no positive effect in transforming the conflict; instead, its potential could be enhanced if produced collaboratively.
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The exact power of models often remains hidden, especially when neutrality is claimed. Our review of 61 scientific articles shows that in the scientific literature little attention is given to the power of water models to influence development processes and outcomes. However, there is a lot to learn from those who are openly reflexive. Based on lessons from the review, we call for power-sensitive modelling, which means that people are critical about how models are made and with what effects.
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Urban water systems are facing an increasing pressure on their water resources to guarantee safe and sufficient water access. Water managers often use tried and tested strategies like large supply augmentation infrastructure to address water problems. However, these projects do not address key problems and cause water conflicts. We conducted transdisciplinary research to show how water conflicts can change the development pathway of urban water systems by implementing alternative solutions.
Jonatan Godinez-Madrigal, Nora Van Cauwenbergh, and Pieter van der Zaag
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Our research studies whether science depoliticizes water conflicts or instead conflicts politicize science–policy processes. We analyze a water conflict due to the development of large infrastructure. We interviewed key actors in the conflict and replicated the results of water resources models developed to solve the conflict. We found that knowledge produced in isolation has no positive effect in transforming the conflict; instead, its potential could be enhanced if produced collaboratively.
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Short summary
A part of the population of Mexico is undergoing severe water crises vis-a-vis with the quantity and quality of water. The water authority's strategy dwells solely in infrastructure development to tackle the symptoms, not the causes. The paper summarizes how the causes of crises lie not in the lack of infrastructure but in a deficient management and governance. I did the research because I'd to influence on policy, and I did it through fieldwork and critical literature review.
A part of the population of Mexico is undergoing severe water crises vis-a-vis with the quantity...