Lerma River

The Lerma River flows from the Toluca Valley across central Mexico’s Bajío region into Lake Chapala, where its waters continue as the Santiago River.

Toluca Valley: A highland basin in the State of Mexico, west of Mexico City. The Lerma begins in this basin’s wetlands and springs.
Lerma River headwaters: The springs and wetlands in the Toluca Valley that feed the Lerma River. They form the river’s source in the upper basin.
Water supply of Guadalajara: The system of sources and infrastructure that provides water to Guadalajara, Jalisco. Lake Chapala, fed by the Lerma, supplies much of Guadalajara’s water.
Lake Chapala water-level decline: A reduction in Lake Chapala’s water level caused by climatic and human pressures. Reduced inflow from the Lerma can contribute to stress on the lake.
Bajío: A fertile plateau region in central Mexico, spanning parts of several states. The river crosses this region after leaving the Toluca Valley.
Alzate Dam: A reservoir and dam on the upper Lerma River in the State of Mexico. It regulates river flows downstream of the Toluca Valley.
Irrigation in the Bajío: The use of canals, reservoirs, and groundwater to water crops in the Bajío region. Farms along the river depend on water stored or diverted from its basin.
Lerma River pollution crisis: Severe water contamination in the Lerma River and its effects on people and ecosystems. Pollution has impaired water quality across communities along the river.
Lake Chapala: Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, located mainly in Jalisco. The Lerma ends here before its outflow becomes the Santiago River.
Solís Dam: A dam and reservoir on the Lerma River in Guanajuato. It stores and manages water along the river’s middle course.

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Mexican PlateauRelated: It drains parts of the southern plateau toward the Pacific watershed.