Since 15 October 2026, Guadalajara's water utility, SIAPA, has been rotating supply (known locally as "tandeos") in 627 neighborhoods of the metropolitan area, split into seven zones with fixed days of low pressure or no water, and the measure will last until March 2027, according to [Quadratín Jalisco](https://jalisco.quadratin.com.mx/sucesos/siapa-aplicara-rotacion-de-agua-en-627-colonias-a-partir-del-15-de-octubre/) and [Informador](https://www.informador.mx/jalisco/cortes-de-agua-en-zmg-que-dias-no-habra-agua-consulta-el-calendario-oficial-de-los-tandeos-del-siapa-por-colonia-y-zona-20261013-0039.html). On Sunday 18 October, thousands of people marched again to demand clean water, for the second Sunday in a row.
The crisis stems from the quality of the water arriving through the Las Pintas canal. Here is the schedule by zone, which neighborhoods are covered, why the measure was taken and what support the utility offers.
Which days Guadalajara will be without water: schedule by zone
SIAPA divided the neighborhoods supplied by Water Treatment Plant No. 1, in Miravalle, into seven zones. These are each zone's days of suspension or low pressure, according to the schedule published by Informador:
| Zone | Days without water or with low pressure |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Friday and Sunday |
| Zone 2 | Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday |
| Zone 3 | Wednesday and Saturday |
| Zone 4 | Monday and Thursday |
| Zone 5 | Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday |
| Zone 6 | Monday and Friday |
| Zone 7 | Saturday and Sunday |
To find which zone an address is in, search for it on SIAPA's official rotation map. Some neighborhoods appear in more than one zone because they receive water from several aqueducts. The utility warns that service may take time to recover depending on elevation and the characteristics of each sector. Informador published the full list of the 627 neighborhoods.
Why there are rotating water cuts
The Jalisco state government closed the gates of the Las Pintas dam after detecting irregular discharges along the canal, leaving about 30% less water to distribute in the metropolitan area, according to El Occidental and Informador's timeline. SIAPA itself acknowledged that the quality of the water entering the canal had deteriorated significantly since December 2025. Infobae reported that the suspension of supply from Las Pintas was set for six months.
Governor Pablo Lemus blamed the contamination on those discharges and said on social media that water quality has already begun to improve. Residents who are marching say the opposite: that the water still arrives with a bad smell and color.
| Plan detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | 15 October 2026 |
| End of first stage | March 2027 |
| Neighborhoods | 627, in seven zones |
| Coverage | About 42% of SIAPA's coverage (Plant 1, Miravalle) |
| Municipalities | Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Tlajomulco, El Salto and Juanacatlán |
| Support | Free water trucks and 10,000-liter tanks at strategic points |
The protests for clean water
The first big march was on Sunday 12 October, from La Minerva to Casa Jalisco, behind a banner reading "Stop SIAPA corruption". It ended in clashes and arrests: Infobae reported that 18 of 39 people detained were released and will face proceedings for three offenses, while protesters reported more than 42 arrests and excessive use of force, according to Infobae.
The protest was repeated on Sunday 18 October. Demonstrators demanded a health alert over gastrointestinal, skin and eye conditions they attribute to the water, according to Infobae and Informador, which headlined with one marcher's words: "We will keep protesting until we have clean water". Lemus said he adjusted the security approach to avoid confrontations. Authorities have not declared a health alert.
Where Guadalajara's water comes from
The Guadalajara metropolitan area draws water from several sources: Lake Chapala, deep wells and local sources such as Las Pintas. Plant 1 in Miravalle, the one affected by this rotation, covers about 42% of SIAPA's service, according to Quadratín. Areas supplied by other systems are not included in the rotation and, for now, no cuts are expected there because of this measure.
SIAPA is the inter-municipal utility serving the metropolitan municipalities; its board includes the governor and the mayors, who agreed the rotation plan. That is why protesters direct their demands at both the utility and the state government.
What to do during the water cuts
- Check your zone on SIAPA's official map and note the cut days.
- Store water in clean tanks and cisterns before the suspension day. SIAPA recommends cleaning them when possible.
- Request a free water truck from SIAPA if your neighborhood is left without service, or use the 10,000-liter community tanks.
- Do not drink untreated tap water if it arrives with an unusual smell or color; use boiled or purified water.
How long Guadalajara's water crisis will last
The first stage of the rotation is planned until March 2027, and SIAPA said it would make operational adjustments during October based on results. Meanwhile, it will step up cleaning of tanks, filters and clarifiers. The root problem, contamination of the Las Pintas source, has no announced fix date.
The crisis comes in a year of pressure on household budgets in Mexico, with a peso that has fallen for weeks and the year-end aguinaldo bonus just around the corner.
Frequently asked questions
How long will Guadalajara's water rotation last?
The first stage began on 15 October 2026 and runs until March 2027, with adjustments during October.
How do I know which day I will have no water?
Search your address on SIAPA's official rotation map (rotaciondeserviciosiapa.jalisco.gob.mx). Each of the seven zones has fixed days.
Why was the Las Pintas dam closed?
Because of irregular discharges that contaminated the canal, according to the Jalisco government. SIAPA acknowledged water quality had deteriorated since December 2025.
How many neighborhoods are affected?
627 neighborhoods in Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Tlajomulco, El Salto and Juanacatlán.
