In the heart of Mexico, where water scarcity and urbanization collide, a pioneering partnership is set to redefine water management. Xylem, a global leader in water technology, and Amazon, the e-commerce giant, have joined forces with Mexico City and Monterrey to launch advanced infrastructure upgrades. The goal? To save over 1.3 billion liters of water annually, easing the strain on local water systems and improving supply for thousands of residents.
At the core of this initiative is Xylem Vue, an advanced software platform that harnesses the power of data and analytics. This technology detects leaks, cuts water losses, and improves residents’ water supply, offering a lifeline in a region where every liter counts. “In a water-stressed region, where every liter counts, recovering more than a billion liters of water each year is a game-changer,” said Jaime Barba, General Manager of Xylem Vue. “Working with Amazon and the local water utilities, we are using data to give these cities actionable insights that enable them to make their community’s water supply more resilient and secure.”
In Mexico City, where up to 40% of water can be lost from leaky pipes before it ever reaches the tap, the new technology manages pressure in real time. This reduces leakage, adapts to demand without stressing the pipes, and proactively locates leaks, making it easier to fix them faster. The project is estimated to save upwards of 800 million liters of water a year. “This landmark investment from Amazon and advanced technology from Xylem address one of our city’s most pressing challenges,” said Ricardo Alberto Munguía Alfaro, Deputy Secretary of Hydraulic Infrastructure Operations and Efficiency, SEGIAGUA. “This partnership demonstrates how public-private collaboration and innovation can create meaningful impact in urban water management. Together, we are building a more sustainable and water-resilient future for Mexico City.”
Monterrey is also expanding its use of Xylem Vue to two new districts, including one serving low-income residents who are especially vulnerable to supply disruptions. The city will use advanced leak detection, enabling faster response and repair to water loss, saving an estimated 560 million liters of water a year. “This innovative water conservation project arrives at a crucial time for our city,” said Eduardo Ortegon Williamson, Deputy Director, Servicios de Agua y Drenaje de Monterrey. “The technology-driven approach to reducing water loss demonstrates how public-private partnerships can create immediate impact for residents, particularly in vulnerable communities most affected by water scarcity.”
This partnership with Xylem is part of Amazon’s broader water stewardship efforts. The new water projects are part of more than 30 water replenishment projects Amazon has announced globally, which, once completed, are expected to return more than 14 billion liters of water each year. By working together, these companies are showing how AI infrastructure can grow responsibly while also improving water security. “We recognize that addressing water scarcity requires collaborative action on a global scale,” said Rubén Mugártegui, AWS Mexico Managing Director. “Our investment demonstrates our commitment beyond maintaining facilities – we’re working hand-in-hand with local municipalities and organizations to create sustainable solutions.”
This initiative could spark a wave of similar partnerships, demonstrating the potential of public-private collaborations in tackling water scarcity. It challenges the sector to think beyond traditional infrastructure investments and embrace innovative, data-driven solutions. As cities worldwide grapple with the impacts of climate change and urbanization, this project offers a blueprint for building water-resilient communities. The question now is, who will follow suit?