The Greater Guadalajara Metropolitan Region is subject to rapid and persistent urban growth with certain areas experiencing the highest growth rates of all Mexico.

Dominated by developer-driven, low-density suburban housing estates in sharp contrast to marginalised communities in poor, informal settlements, the current patterns of urban growth are leading to high consumption of natural resources and severe socio-spatial segregation.

These unsustainable pathways strongly relate to weak institutional capacities, inadequate legal frameworks and planning tools as well as a lack of political will to pursue integrated regional management of urban growth.

In this context issues related to water have become the most critical limitations for urban development and therefore a source of constant conflict. Shortage of water due to over-exploitation of ground and surface-water resources, excessive water consumption in better-off areas, serious environmental pollution from untreated wastewater and regular flooding have become the most challenging problems in the region.

Especially in the urban periphery - the main arena for new growth - connection to infrastructure networks and public provision with water services is largely inadequate, if not completely absent. Private forms of water services – both formal and informal – often take the place of public services, leaving marginalised communities with low quality water at very high costs, thereby reinforcing social inequalities and poverty.