For many families in the deep South of Merida, buying jugs becomes unaffordable and inaccessible; at the end of the week, they spend up to $216 on purified water.
After Beryl’s passage through the region, the shortage of potable water became visible in the deep South of Merida, as residents pointed out that they were unable to stock up beforehand due to a lack of resources. Now, they must leave the area to get or refill jugs with purified water.
Residents commented that potable water is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire, especially in impoverished areas like the South of the city, as each 20-liter jug costs between $39 and $54 at stores, depending on the establishment or commerce. This makes it unaffordable for families.
They noted that in this zone, there are families with at least four members who consume around three to four jugs of water a week, spending between $156 and $216 per week on this liquid. Although there are water purifiers where you can refill your bottles for $12, there aren’t many in the area, so they hope for the arrival of those selling water, which costs between $15 and $17.
Some residents seek alternatives for getting water, such as boiling it; however, this also has a cost in electricity or gas.
They mentioned that they are afraid that in a few years, this resource will be totally inaccessible to those who have less, since they are aware that water is being wasted and becoming increasingly expensive to obtain. “Before a jug would cost $25, in less than three years it’s up to almost $40, and over $50 others. If I earn $100 a day, how can I get water?” said José Tun.
