Innovation in pipe rehabilitation
The Secretariat of Comprehensive Water Management (Segiagua) has implemented the Tlaloque Reinforced operation, a strategy designed to optimize attention to the hydraulic network of Mexico City during the rainy season. As part of this initiative, the agency has acquired specialized equipment with ultraviolet technology, which makes it possible to repair leaks and rehabilitate pipes without the need for excavation. This technological advance not only reduces the urban impact, but also extends the useful life of the infrastructure to more than 50 years.
Technical details of the method
The process consists of introducing a sleeve pre-impregnated with resin inside the damaged pipe. Through the application of ultraviolet light, this sleeve solidifies, creating a new duct within the existing one. According to the owner of Segiagua, José Mario Esparza, this technique eliminates the need to remove pipes or open trenches, reducing costs and intervention times. In addition, the system is capable of rehabilitating up to 20 kilometers per year, with an investment that is recovered after repairing 1.5 kilometers, compared to the 20 million per kilometer that the traditional method costs.
Esparza highlighted that, although the equipment has a high initial cost (approximately 30 million pesos), its long-term profitability is unquestionable. The durability of the repairs and the minimization of urban disruption justify the investment, especially in a metropolis with constant challenges of aging infrastructure.
Impact and projection
This technology not only optimizes public resources, but also aligns CDMX with global sustainability practices. By avoiding excavations, CO₂ emissions associated with heavy machinery are reduced and public space is preserved. Segiagua’s approach reflects a growing trend in hydraulic engineering: less invasive and more efficient solutions, capable of adapting to complex urban environments.
The project is part of a comprehensive strategy that includes the launch of hydropneumatic trucks and other specialized vehicles for emergencies during the rainy season. With these actions, the city is moving towards a more resilient and technical water management model.
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