Mexico Approves Water Law Overhaul, Transfer Ban Awaits Conagua Rules

Overview

• The Senate passed the Sheinbaum-backed changes to the General Water Law and National Waters Law by 85–36 after lower house approval.
• Private-party transmission of concessions is slated to end, but the provision takes effect only after new regulations are issued within six months.
• Conagua must resolve certain reassignment cases within 20 business days, including inheritance, property sales tied to a concession, and corporate mergers or splits, issuing a new title with the same volume, use and remaining term.
• The reform adds ex officio prosecution for crimes against national waters and foresees a National Water Reserve Fund whose operation will be set in forthcoming regulations, with current rules on the non-expiration fee remaining until replaced.
• Morena leaders say the law curbs hoarding and safeguards agricultural users, while former Conagua official Elena Burns argues the concessions model remains largely intact and the changes are superficial.