Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González says he has a three-part plan to prevent the city from suffering severe water shortages, as it faces an ongoing drought and supply challenges.
In an interview, Munguía emphasized that infrastructure, maintenance, and access to clean water are at the core of his administration’s approach.
“The water issue is one of the most critical. We’ve experienced various crises already,” he said. “We’re focusing on three key areas: new infrastructure to increase production and improve quality; well maintenance and dredging; and the construction of vertical galleries, which we are close to starting.”
He noted that eight new water production projects are underway, along with the installation of updated extraction pumps. The city is also continuing with expansions to the potable water network, but, as he stressed, “ensuring supply and consistent access remains the priority.”
Munguía also pointed to a recently approved SEAPAL (Vallarta Drinking Water, Drainage, and Sewerage System) program to help residents prepare for temporary interruptions. Through the initiative, SEAPAL will provide funding support so that residents can acquire cisterns and water tanks for at-home storage.
“The idea is that during short-term service disruptions—some of which only last a few hours—people can still have access to water,” he explained. “We also continue to expand the network of Gogomáticos, which allow residents to access purified water free of charge. This is a top priority: ensuring clean, safe water is always available to those who need it.”
The mayor’s plan comes as Puerto Vallarta continues to grow rapidly, including vertically, with 15 new buildings recently approved by the city government.