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Local IWRM organizations for groundwater regulation: The experiences of the Aquifer Management Councils (COTAS) in Guanajuato, Mexico

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  • Philippus Wester
  • Jaime Hoogesteger
  • Linden Vincent

Abstract

Evidence of groundwater management by aquifer users emerging under Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) initiatives is presented, by analyzing the Consejos Técnicos de Aguas (COTAS; Technical Water Councils or Aquifer Management Councils) in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, established between 1998 and 2000 by the Guanajuato State Water Commission (CEAG). Two contrasting models influenced this attempt to promote user self‐regulation of groundwater extractions: locally autonomous aquifer organizations with powers to regulate groundwater extractions versus aquifer organizations with advisory powers only. The COTAS were conceived as locally autonomous IWRM organizations consisting of all aquifer users that would work together to reduce groundwater over‐extraction and stabilize aquifer levels, at a later stage. CEAG followed an expedient IWRM approach to develop the COTAS, setting achievable targets for their development and explicitly focusing on active stakeholder participation. The article shows that, due to struggles between the state and federal levels, the COTAS have become advisory bodies that have not led to reductions in groundwater extractions. It concludes that achieving user self‐regulation of groundwater extractions requires a fuller delegation of responsibilities to the COTAS which would not be possible without addressing the institutional struggles over water governance at the state and federal levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Philippus Wester & Jaime Hoogesteger & Linden Vincent, 2009. "Local IWRM organizations for groundwater regulation: The experiences of the Aquifer Management Councils (COTAS) in Guanajuato, Mexico," Natural Resources Forum, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 33(1), pages 29-38, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:natres:v:33:y:2009:i:1:p:29-38
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-8947.2009.01206.x
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    1. Luzma Fabiola Nava, 2025. "Bridging Governance Gaps: A Political Ecology Analysis of Water Challenges in Guanajuato, Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Gao, Hongchao & Wei, Tong & Lou, Inchio & Yang, Zhifeng & Shen, Zhenyao & Li, Yingxia, 2014. "Water saving effect on integrated water resource management," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 50-58.
    3. Anita Milman & Christopher A Scott, 2010. "Beneath the Surface: Intranational Institutions and Management of the United States — Mexico Transboundary Santa Cruz Aquifer," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 28(3), pages 528-551, June.
    4. Dishant Parakh & Sriroop Chaudhuri, 2023. "Groundwater Markets in South Asia: A Bibliometric Assessment of Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Irrigation Development," Journal of South Asian Development, , vol. 18(2), pages 265-294, August.

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