Tulum Revolutionizes Water Supply with Massive Expansion

In response to the rapid population growth and tourism surge in Tulum, the government of Quintana Roo has announced plans to significantly expand the city's potable water supply. The plan involves the construction of 24 new deep wells, quadrupling the current water supply capacity across a 70-hectare area. The project, requiring an investment of approximately 543 million pesos, is set to be developed over the next 30 years, with a primary focus over the first 12 years.

The aim of this ambitious project is to meet the increasing demand for water by extracting 600 liters per second. This will greatly improve upon the current extraction capacity of seven wells that produce a maximum flow of 175 liters per second. The project, named the "New Potable Water Catchment Area for Supplying the City of Tulum", is being overseen by the Potable Water and Sewage Commission (CAPA).

The plan details that each well, spaced 250 meters apart, will produce 25 liters per second. Each well will reach a maximum depth of 30 meters and will be equipped with a 25 horsepower submersible motor and pump. To ensure the safety and quality of the water, each well will be protected by a steel-fenced perimeter and a monitoring system will be installed to measure pressure, temperature, and energy flow.

The project also includes measures to prevent contamination of the aquifer. The Environmental Impact Statement, which is currently under evaluation, details the project's commitment to environmental protection. The project will be divided into two sections, one of which will utilize a portion of the "Jaguar Park Flora and Fauna Protection Area". The other section will occupy an area of the Macario Gómez Ejido, with the aqueduct located along the Tulum-Cobá state road.

The total cost of the project, including access roads, wells, power supply lines, control systems, and the main 15 km aqueduct, is estimated at 542 million 780 thousand 746.78 pesos. The land for the project is privately owned but is being managed by the Agency of Strategic Projects. The project will also involve the construction of roads, power supply lines with concrete posts, and secondary aqueduct conduction lines. The main water distribution line will cover a distance of 14.28 km, consisting of 20 and 28-inch diameter pipes.