Historic water shortages in northern Mexico

More than half of Mexico is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions due to extreme heat, according to the federal water commission CONAGUA.

In the city of Monterrey, home to 5.3 million people, drought and years of below-average rainfall have resulted in a citywide water shortage.

The city began limiting water access to six hours a day in June. However, because of federal concessions, soda and beer companies are still allowed to continue to extract water as residents go without.

Two of the main dams that supply the area could be empty as early as Tuesday, according to Juan Ignacio Barragan, head of the water and sewage agency. In a few neighbourhoods, running water has already stopped running.

With the hottest months still ahead, the crisis is likely to continue.