The growth of concerts and massive events in Mexico has placed water consumption at the center of the debate. This key resource for their operation is limited in cities like Mexico City. Although it often goes unnoticed compared to visible elements like sound or lighting, water is essential for ensuring the logistics, safety, and functioning of shows that gather thousands of people.
An Invisible Resource in the Entertainment Industry In the hours leading up to a concert, while the public waits at the entrance, dozens of technicians work on setting up the stage, cleaning structures, and preparing equipment—processes that directly depend on water use. "Water rarely appears in riders with the same weight as audio or lighting, but without this resource, there is no show," explained Lucas Barrionuevo, co-founder of the water purification company Somos PURA. The specialist warned that in cities where water is scarce, treating it as a secondary element poses an operational and logistical risk.
Intensive Consumption at Every Event Stage Water use begins during setup, where it is used to clean metal structures and prevent dust or debris from damaging technical equipment. Subsequently, restrooms, dressing rooms, and preparation areas require a constant supply to operate for several hours, while the hydration of the technical and artistic staff represents another significant component. According to industry studies, the average consumption at festivals can reach up to 20 liters per person per day just for crew hydration.
Environmental Impact in Scarcity Contexts In cities like Mexico City, where access to water is a recurring challenge, holding concerts at venues like Foro Sol and the Azteca Stadium—now Banorte Stadium—implies a significant water demand. Although there are no official public figures on exact consumption in Mexico, international references allow us to gauge the scale of the phenomenon. "What works for small events does not apply to stadiums with thousands of people," noted Leandro Barrionuevo, co-founder of Somos PURA. In a context of increasing demand and supply limitations, water consumption at massive concerts opens a debate on sustainability, regulation, and environmental responsibility in an expanding industry. The Glastonbury Festival in the UK uses up to 3 million liters of water per day, according to Bristol Water data. This comparison highlights the potential impact of large-scale events in urban environments with limited resources.
Water Quality and New Solutions Beyond volume, water quality has become a key factor in the industry, especially in dressing rooms and consumption areas. In this scenario, some production companies have begun implementing filtration systems to ensure potable water and reduce the use of plastic jugs, which may contain microplastics.
Cleaning and Closing the Operational Cycle After the event, consumption continues with the cleaning of spaces, where high-pressure water systems are used to remove waste and prepare the venue for new activities in less than 24 hours. This process completes an operational cycle that constantly depends on the water resource.
A Growing Environmental Challenge The boom in the entertainment industry in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, forces a rethinking of water management at massive events. "The current scale of concerts demands rethinking how resources are managed."
