Water problems in Oaxaca and their relation to administrative challenges in Mexico since decentralization

Mexico has tried to alleviate problems in the delivery and treatment of water for its population in an even and sustainable manner for nearly 100 years. Despite this effort, the country is still grappling with these problems. The focus of this research will be on laws and reforms enacted since country's decentralization process that started after the 1982 debt crisis. Particular attention will be paid to the 1992 National Water Law and why its model of horizontal, participatory management is largely failing. The city of Oaxaca will be used as a case study. Solutions will be proposed to address both administration challenges and economical ways to improve water access and treatment.