Final answer:
Mexico City is sinking due to the overuse of its aquifers, causing infrastructure damage and a decrease in the capacity of its drainage system. Fresh water scarcity and pollution challenges are exacerbated by pipeline leaks and non-renewable aquifers being excessively tapped. This situation reflects a broader global water crisis worsened by climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mexico City is experiencing significant issues due to the overextraction of water from its natural aquifers, causing the city to sink by as much as 16 inches annually in certain areas. This subsidence has adverse effects on the city's infrastructure, including its already deteriorating drainage system which has seen a 30% decrease in capacity since 1975, a period during which the population has doubled. Additionally, fresh water scarcity is aggravated by water loss through leaking pipelines transporting water into the city, and by the pollution from untreated wastewater discharged into nearby lakes, affecting local Amerindian communities.
One of the core issues is the non-renewable nature of the underground aquifers. Extraction surpasses natural replenishment, leading to a reduction in the water table and contributing to problems such as structural damage, saltwater intrusion, and potentially even pollution being drawn towards pumping wells. This unsustainable practice could result in local settlements having to dig deeper wells or relocate entirely to areas where water resources remain available. It's not just Mexico City; global water crises are becoming increasingly common, often intensified by global warming which further disrupts precipitation patterns and contributes to rapidly melting glaciers.