Tender Watch: Mexico’s 2020 wastewater treatment plant projects

Mexico could begin construction of almost 30 wastewater treatment plants this year thanks to a federal program to improve water infrastructure and expand clean water distribution. 

Tenders to construct the plants or carry out the projects’ studies have been launched this year by state governments, government procurement site Compranet shows. 

Nine tenders are still open for bids until June 25 but most are restricted to a few selected participants by invitation.

While estimated investment for the plants has not been revealed, the projects are likely to receive funds from the water, drainage and treatment program (PROAGUA) that water authority Conagua launched in January.

The program’s goal is to “increase and sustain the coverage of water, drainage, sewerage and sanitation, as well as contribute to the efficiency and improvement of the services managed by municipalities, in collaboration with state governments,” according to the program that was published in the country’s official gazette on December 31.

PROAGUA centers on five project categories: urban infrastructure (APAUR), rural infrastructure (APARURAL), water operators (PRODI), clean water (AAL) and wastewater treatment plants (APTAR). 

Unlike the other four categories, APTAR does not have an investment limit and state governments can apply to receive 50-80% of the funds needed to build a new treatment plant. 

The percentage of funds increases depending on the needs of the municipality. 

The program also allocates funds to improve or rehabilitate existing plants. 

While state governments can apply for more projects, the program specifies that the projects must be completed before December 31 this year, although the current pandemic crisis could lead to an extension. 

According to the program, there is a total of 2,526 wastewater treatment plants in Mexico.

Below is the list of wastewater treatment plants that have been launched so far in 2020 by state.

Chihuahua:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of San Blas.
• New wastewater plant for the municipality of Delicias.
• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Maguarichi.
• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Jiménez’s Tierra Blanca community.
• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Jiménez’s San Felipe and Zaragoza communities.

Guerrero: 

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Chilpancingo de Los Bravos.

Nayarit:

• Studies, design and integral project for a new wastewater treatment plant.

Veracruz:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Coyutla. 

Sonora:

• Construction for a new wastewater treatment plant and pressure emitter for the municipality of Imuris. 
• New water treatment plant for the municipality of Etchojoa.

Mexico:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Rayón. 

Oaxaca:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Pluma Hidalgo.

Hidalgo:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Tlanchinol.
• New wastewater treatment plant and other drainage works for the municipality of San Salvador.
• New wastewater treatment plant and other drainage works for the municipality of Alfajayucan.

Durango:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Bermejillo. 
• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Tamazula.

Chiapas:

• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Margaritas.
• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Comitán de Domínguez’s Efraín A. Gutiérrez community. 
• New wastewater treatment plant for the municipality of Comitán de Domínguez’s Chacal Jocom community.

Tamaulipas:

• New wastewater treatment plant, pressure emitter and fire station for Gustavo Díaz Ordaz.