Conflicto y resistencia en la gestión del agua: El caso de la corriente Coxcacuaco y las comunidades nahuas de Texcoco

Abstract

This text examines the federalization of the Coxcacoaco River in the municipality of Texcoco (State of Mexico, Mexico) since the publication of its regulations in 1926. The policy of controlling access, management and distribution of water for irrigated agriculture was rejected by the populations of La Purificación Tepetitla and San Jerónimo Amanalco, who defended their ancient rights over water and springs that they considered communal. Analysis of this struggle sheds new light on the impact of the diverse and changing norms concerning water use during the twentieth century. It also improves understanding of the origin of the water conflicts in the Texcoco region and why the communities fought to maintain their irrigation systems and traditions. The primary sources for this article were the Archivo Histórico y Biblioteca Central del Agua, and field work involving visits to the springs of San Jerónimo Amanalco and two tours of the Coxcacuaco channel in the company of three local residents.