Facilities for regularization of national water concessions and allocations in Mexico

On October 28, 2025, the Decree establishing administrative facilities to regularize titles of concession or assignment of national waters was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.

The purpose of the Decree is to simplify administrative procedures, allow the regularization of expired concessions and allocations, and ensure legality in the use and exploitation of Mexico’s national waters.

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Who can adhere to the decree?

• Individuals or legal entities holding concessions or allocations of national waters expired between October 1, 2017 and March 1, 2025.
• Applies to the following uses:
  • Domestic, agricultural, livestock and aquaculture, with volumes of up to 500,000 m³ per year.
  • Urban public in favor of states and municipalities, without volume limit.
• The titles must have a registry entry or antecedent in the Public Registry of Water Rights.

The following may not be regularized: concessions in the process of being transferred, subject to revocation or termination proceedings, that have been terminated due to resignation or causes attributable to the holder, or that have lawsuits pending, except in the case of proven withdrawal.

What documents must be submitted to join?

Interested parties must present:

1. Free written statement of adhesion, under oath, stating:
   • Ownership or possession of the land where the works are located.
   • Non-transfer of ownership of the property, concession or assignment.
   • Works equipped and in operation for the use of national waters.
   • Consent to electronic notification.
2. Letter of compliance with obligations, if there are outstanding debts or declarations.
3. Volumes extracted during the last two years from the use to be regularized.
4. Copy of the expired concession or assignment title.
5. Proof of payment of study and processing fees, or authorization of extension, as applicable.
   

Deadline for submission: six months from the publication of the decree, in Conagua modules or through its digital window(https://ventanilladigital.conagua.gob.mx/auth/login). Applications after the deadline will not be accepted.

What conditions does Conagua establish for regularization?

• Regularized titles will be subject to the original conditions, without changes in water use.
• Proof must be provided that the works have been in operation for the last two years and are equipped for use.
• The Conagua may inspect and verify compliance with the authorized use at any time.
• Penalties will be applied if a use different from that authorized is detected.

What happens in case of death of the owner?

• The concession titles may be regularized by the succession beneficiaries, provided they prove the corresponding rights.

Practical implications

• Facilitates the regularization of expired titles and avoids penalties for irregular use of national waters.
• Guarantees the continuity of agricultural, domestic and urban projects, ensuring the legality of water resource use.
• It allows planning the compliance of obligations with the Conagua and avoids improper procedures or future sanctions.

Recommendation: review the status of each concession or assignment title to ensure compliance with the facilities of the decree and avoid legal risks.

In case of doubts about the application of this Agreement or to receive advice on the adequacy of procedures, in Vega Guerrero & Asociados we have a team specialized in regulatory matters that can support you in timely compliance.