Worsening water crisis sparks protests in Mexico's Guadalajara

Concerns rise over water quality in major Mexican city Study finds lead, mercury, nitrates and E. coli in household samples President rebukes authorities after dozens injured in violent protest By Cassandra Garrison GUADALAJARA/MEXICO CITY, Oct 16 (Reuters) — Residents in Guadalajara, one of Mexico's biggest cities, are demanding answers over a worsening water-quality crisis that has left many households reporting foul-smelling, sediment-filled tap water and sparked police clashes as protesters urge government action. A major protest last weekend put the issue in the national spotlight after police deployed water cannons and tear gas, dozens of people were injured, and officials said nearly 40 people were arrested. The incident prompted President Claudia Sheinbaum to rebuke the police for their tough response and pledge to review two water infrastructure projects for the area. Still, further demonstrations are planned in the coming days as frustration builds, with videos circulating on social media of people collecting buckets and jars of murky brown or black water flowing from their taps. The crisis has intensified scrutiny of water management across a metropolitan area of more th