The Threat

Water quality in Akumal is under threat. Many studies on the quality of ground water, surface water, and seawater have been conducted over the years and are available from Centro Ecológico de Akumal (CEA) and other science-based institutions.  Among the disturbing results reported are the presence of Ecoli bacteria in Yalku lagoon and Akumal Bay, and increases in microorganisms in Laguna Lagartos. Water contamination threatens human health and all of the species that we share this incredible place with.  

In response to this threat, in January of 2021, the Governor of Quintana Roo inaugurated the  Akumal Wastewater Treatment Plant, a reported investment of $59 million pesos. Unfortunately, funding issues have prevented the Mexican government from following up by installing sewers and related pumping stations in Akumal Pueblo and Akumal (including Akumal Norte) to get the sewage to the treatment facility, so It’s anybody’s guess if and when Akumal will have a functioning sewer system.  

But buildings in North Akumal are also substantial contributors to the problem.  Aging septic systems, marginal septic systems, and inadequate effluent discharge are significant contributors to the contamination problem, and these are all issues we can control if owners are committed to doing so.

The Plan

Vecinos has formed a committee reporting to the Board to determine what we can do to minimize the impact of ground and surface water contamination. Here is the action plan:

1. Assess the current contamination levels in surface and groundwater through sampling and analysis and identify hot spots. We don’t have groundwater testing wells, so in the near term, the focus will be on Laguna Lagartos, Yalku Lagoon, North Akumal mangroves, Akumal Bay, and Half Moon Bay.
   
   
2. Establish an ongoing sampling and analysis program to monitor changes over time.  Ideally, this would include testing wells at specific locations to monitor groundwater as well as surface water. This element of the plan is currently unfunded, so Vecinos will work to obtain funding through our budgeting process and fundraising specifically for this purpose.
   
   
3. Work with owners in Akumal Norte to identify systems needing upgrades and improve aging septic systems to improve water quality and minimize further environmental damage.
   
   
4. Develop and disseminate information regarding the various types of septic systems, estimated costs, including qualified engineers and contractors for design and installation.