Hermosillo Goes Solar After MX$420 Million Water Investment

Hermosillo, Sonora has invested MX$420 million (US$22.5 million) in water infrastructure since 2021, according to Mayor Antonio Astiazarán. These investments included the drilling of 35 new wells, the installation of telemetry systems, and the construction of a new energy plant in Bahia de Kino. Mayor Astiazarán shared these updates during a meeting with the civil society group Hermosillo, ¿Cómo Vamos?, where officials and citizens discussed ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable city.

A key milestone highlighted at the meeting is Hermosillo becoming the only municipality in Mexico whose water utility will be powered entirely by solar energy. Mayor Astiazarán noted that this transition is expected to cut electricity use by 20% and generate up to MX$30 million (US$1.6 million) in annual savings for the Acueducto Independencia. “We are the first municipality in Mexico to purchase electricity from the wholesale market for a water utility,” he said, estimating monthly savings of MX$2 million (US$107,510).

In response to ongoing drought conditions in 2025 and limited rainfall, the municipal government has also stepped up efforts to ensure potable water distribution. These include initiatives under the CUIDA program, which promotes water conservation and civic engagement. Additional measures presented at the meeting include the free distribution and installation of 5,207 water tanks in low-pressure households and the deployment of 83,580 water meters to support more efficient water usage.

Arturo Díaz Monge, president, Hermosillo, ¿Cómo Vamos?, expressed continued support from the private sector and civil society in addressing the city’s challenges. “Hermosillo is a better city than it was five or ten years ago. These are important, measurable advances,” Díaz Monge said.