Helping Mexico City Become More Resilient to Urban Flooding
Jardín de Lluvia Coapam
In southern Mexico City, opposite the iconic Estadio Azteca, an ambitious green infrastructure project is transforming how stormwater is managed in one of the world's largest cities.
Jardín de Lluvia Coapam was created to help reduce flood risk, support groundwater recharge, and provide a greener public space for the local community. At the centre of the project is an innovative stormwater management system that combines natural infrastructure with proven water treatment technology.
As seasonal storms place increasing pressure on urban drainage networks, cities are looking for smarter ways to manage runoff while protecting valuable public assets. This project demonstrates how targeted stormwater treatment can help safeguard green infrastructure and support long-term performance.
The Challenge
Mexico City's unique geography and historic lakebed foundations make flooding a persistent challenge during periods of intense rainfall.
For the Coapam project, designers needed to ensure that stormwater entering the site could be effectively managed without allowing sediment, litter and other pollutants to compromise the performance of the system over time.
The location presented an additional challenge due to its proximity to Estadio Azteca, where major sporting and public events can generate significant volumes of debris that may enter the drainage network during storm events.
The Solution
Working with Soluciones Hidropluviales, our local partner in Mexico, Hydro International supported the development of a stormwater treatment strategy designed to protect the site's critical green infrastructure assets.
The solution delivers reliable removal of sediment, oils and floatable debris before runoff reaches the downstream system, helping maintain performance and reduce maintenance requirements.
Image courtesy of Soluciones Hidropluviales
Real-World Results
The project has already been tested under demanding storm conditions, demonstrating how effective pretreatment can support resilient urban flood management.
Today, Jardín de Lluvia Coapam is not only helping manage stormwater more effectively but is also becoming a showcase for sustainable urban development and future "Sponge City" initiatives across Mexico.
Image courtesy of Soluciones Hidropluviales
Featured Technology
Downstream Defender®
A proven hydrodynamic vortex separator designed to capture and retain sediment, oils and floatable debris across a wide range of stormwater flows.
Its compact footprint and reliable performance make it an ideal solution for protecting downstream infrastructure, infiltration systems and green infrastructure assets.
Image courtesy of Soluciones Hidropluviales
Product Availability
Downstream Defender® is available in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. Customers in Europe, Asia-Pacific and other regions can access equivalent stormwater treatment performance through the Downstream Defender® Select range.
Our Partner in Mexico
Hydro International has partnered with Soluciones Hidropluviales for many years to deliver innovative stormwater and water management solutions across Mexico. As our trusted local distributor, their technical expertise and deep understanding of regional challenges help ensure successful project delivery and long-term customer support. The Jardín de Lluvia Coapam project is another example of our continued collaboration to create sustainable infrastructure that improves flood resilience and water quality.
Discover the Full Story
Learn how the project was designed, the challenges overcome, the treatment strategy selected, and the performance achieved during major rainfall events.
Download the full case study to explore:
- Project objectives and design approach
- Site-specific flooding challenges
- Stormwater treatment strategy
- Technology selection process
- Performance during severe rainfall events
- Lessons for future Sponge City projects
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