Making Informal Water Distribution Work: Collective Agency and Self-Organization in Informal Areas of Xochimilco, Mexico City

Collective agency and self-organization among residents can significantly enhance the efficiency of informal water distribution systems, reducing reliance on expensive private water sources. A study of two informal settlements in Xochimilco, Mexico City, found that strong community leadership and coordination with water truck drivers led to more effective public water delivery, lower private water consumption, and minimal municipal investment. Conversely, communities lacking clear leadership resorted to individual actions, increasing dependence on costly private sellers. These findings highlight the potential for sustainable water distribution alternatives through formal recognition and compensation of collective agency, addressing both equity and efficiency in informal urban areas.

Hernandez, B., Manuel-Navarrete, D., Lerner, A. M., & Siqueiros, J. M. (2023). Making Informal Water Distribution Work: Collective Agency and Self-Organization in Informal Areas of Xochimilco, Mexico City. International Journal of the Commons, 17(1), 54–68. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijc.1209