The Comisión Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA), Mexico’s national water authority, has recently published a draft for a new Official Mexican Standard (NOM). The goal of this proposed legislation is to increase effectiveness in the prevention of contamination of aquifers and maintain both the quantity and quality of water resources. The move, outlined in detail at
JD Supra, should provide substantial interest for legal professionals both in Mexico and in international companies with interests in the region’s water resources.
The NOM intends to regulate water extraction wells, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and preserving the sustainability of these critical resources. This publication illustrates CONAGUA’s ongoing commitment towards comprehensive water management, which can have significant legal and operational implications for businesses involved in various sectors, ranging from agriculture and industry to real estate and infrastructure development.
For legal professionals advising international corporations with operations in Mexico or plans to expand into the country, understanding the proposed changes, including their potential impact on business activities, is crucial. This is particularly pertinent for those involved in projects that may impact existing water resources or depend upon the establishment of new extraction sites.
While the text of the new proposal isn’t yet available in full, it is anticipated that the finalized NOM will be published later this year, with regulations coming into effect shortly thereafter. The prospective impact of these changes on corporate operations underlines the importance of active engagement and ongoing monitoring of CONAGUA’s policy development process. It also provides corporations and their legal counsel with a clear indication of Mexico’s shifting regulatory landscape for water rights and usage.