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• Stresses that in three years, 100 billion pesos have been invested in works in this area

• States that nowadays, each person is only entitled to 4,000 cubic meters of water.

Mexico City.- Earlier this morning, President Felipe Calderón led the launching of the "Water is Part of Your Family- Protect It," campaign, in which he said that the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness among citizens, particularly among children and youth, about the importance of protecting this vital liquid.

“I would like you all to support the campaign to preserve water: Take Care of the Water, It's Part of Your Family," so that on the basis of this change of awareness by everyone, we will be able to cope with and solve one of the most serious problems in the future of Mexico and civilization, which will the availability of potable water," he added.

At the Esplanade leading to the Monument of Francisco I. Madero, the President said that during his administration, 100 billion pesos have been invested in works in this sphere, while 175 treatment plants have been built and a further 32 restored.

A propos of this, he said that aquifers are over-exploited, and that this is a problema that should be rectified through suitable public policies.

Accompanied by his wife, Margarita Zavala, José Luis Luege Tamargo, Director of the National Water Commission and Public Education Secretary Alonso Lujambio Irazábal, the President said that fifty years ago, each Mexican was entitled to 18,000 cubic meters of water a year, a figure that has now dropped to 4,000 cubic meters per person, which is not enough for everyone.

During the event, at which the TV spot for this campaign was presented, the President mentioned the problem of low water supplies in the Federal District. He said that in June, the city had only enough water for three months yet that with the water savings that have been made, particularly as regards the availability of water and the reduction of supplies, it now has enough for nine and a half months.

On the subject to wastewater treatment, the President said that at the start of his government, approximately 30% was treated, as opposed to 43% nowadays. The goal, he said, is to achieve 60% by the end of this administration and 100% by 2015 or 2016.

“In addition, the ground is sinking. This may break the pipes and out of every 10 liters we bring to Mexico City, four are lost due to leaks in homes, streets or the system itself. Four out of every 10 liters are lost. That is why this campaign is important. So we should all take care of the water, which is why I thank the media for the support they will undoubtedly give this campaign," he said.