The government says pollution has claimed 93 percent of the nation's waterways. Twenty million people rely on it for safe drinking water. Other factors contribute to the water emergency. In Mexico's north, for example, the United States has siphoned much of the Colorado River and what little flows back to the Mexicali Valley is high in salt. Throughout the country, people routinely dump refuse in waters.
Industry pollutes without consequence.
But of course it has no such wad of cash. Tying its fortunes to the fortunes of its powerful northern neighbor would be a small help. Improving relations with the United States and snuggling into a mutually beneficial economic relationship should bring better technology and money. But the more serious problem is internal and has to do with Mexico's water politics. The Fox government must bring Mexico's agribusiness, mining interests and cattle ranchers in line.