The Invisible Forest That Keeps Mexico City Alive
The surprising truth about where the capital’s water comes from and why that source could vanish in 50 years.
By Luis Manuel León
If you have visited Mexico City during the rainy season, you have probably noticed one of its most dreaded features: flooding. In 2026 alone, storms have flooded major roads, brought traffic to a standstill, and sent rainwater pouring into Mexico City’s international airport.
This leads many people to assume that the city gets most of its water from rainfall collected through the drainage system and later filtered. Yet, that is not how it works. In fact, most of the rainwater that enters the drainage system goes to waste.
Mexico City’s main source of water is a mysterious forest that few people know about. This week, Mexico Decoded will devote its essay to this forest and show you how to plan a wonderful visit while exploring it responsibly.
