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Measuring Conditions and Progress
Goal 1: Reduce Water Contamination
State of the Border Region Indicators Report 2005
Supporting Data for Water Indicators
Metadata Summary (PDF) (2 pp, 49K)
Data Tables (PDF) (3 pp, 85K)
Two indicators were used to assess the state of water quality in the U.S.-Mexico border region that focused on access to safe drinking water and wastewater collection and treatment services. Based on each country's national census, in 2000, the percentage of households with access to piped drinking water in the house (English (PDF) (1 pg, 985K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 532K), Data Table (PDF) (2 pp, 107K), Metadata (PDF) (1 pg, 35K) was 93% or higher in the U.S. border communities. Access in Mexican communities ranged from 61 to 84%. Mexico's National Water Commission (CONAGUA) defines "access" to drinking water as households that obtain drinking water within the house, on their lot, or from a public water intake or hydrant. Using this definition, the percentage of households with access to drinking water in 2000 was 94%.
In 2000, the percentage of U.S. households with access to wastewater collection and treatment (English (PDF) (1 pg, 985K) | en Espaņol (PDF) (1 pg, 532K), Data Table (PDF) (2 pp, 111K), Metadata (PDF)) (1 pg, 35K) services was 94% or higher. On the Mexican side of the border, the census only reports households with access to wastewater collection services and does not indicate whether the wastewater collected is treated. CONAGUA estimates that in 2000 only 38% of all wastewater collected received treatment. CONAGUA defines wastewater collection service as the percentage of people in houses connected to the public wastewater network or a septic tank. Using this definition, 82% of the population had wastewater collection service.
Refinements Since 2007
Border Infrastructure Projects
Many projects have been completed or are underway in the Border Region address water and wastewater infrastructure needs. These projects are represent the work of four regional Border 2012 Workgroups. Details can be found on the Border Infrastructure Projects Web site.
The Border Indicators Task Force is working to add additional indicators of U.S.-Mexico border region water quality. Measurements that are being considered include:
- Pollutant loads to surface water due to connections to wastewater facilities
- Need for water and wastewater connections
The results of these efforts will be posted to the individual indicator pages (above) as they become available. If you would like to get involved, please send an email to Steve Young (Young.Steve@epa.gov).
Contact the Border Indicators Task Force Co-Chairs