One of the world’s largest and most populated cities faces the bleak prospect of a future without drinking water. “The Last Drops of Mexico City,” a new visual feature published today by Long Lead, in collaboration with the world’s leading photography collective Magnum Photos, explores the complicated history and causes of the crisis — as well as its global consequences.
Showcasing the riveting, evocative reportage and photography of Magnum photographer Jérôme Sessini, the photo essay documents the mounting environmental and social crisis the Mexican capital, as the sprawling megalopolis buckles against a water system pushed to its limit. Sessini fixes his lens on people finding relief in unheard of ways, like pulling unfiltered water from ground wells and buying it by the bottle on the black market. Bolstered by reporting from Rodrigo Cervantes, a former Mexico City bureau chief for NPR member station KJZZ, the feature documents lakes dried up, reservoirs drained low, and taps running dry, as the people who rely on them suffer by ingesting water that’s not fit for consumption.
“The Last Drops of Mexico City” is the first collaboration between Long Lead and Magnum Photos. “As an organization dedicated to working with independent journalists, Long Lead is unbelievably excited to join forces with Magnum, a global collective that has championed photographers for nearly 80 years,” says Long Lead founding editor John Patrick Pullen.
“Partnerships and trusted collaborations between independent organizations is what will empower journalism in these challenging times,” says Giulietta Palumbo, editorial director of Magnum. “Working together, Magnum Photos and Long Lead will produce pieces that help readers keep their eyes on the most pertinent issues of the day and navigate the social, economic and political landscape with sharp and critical judgement.”
For more on “The Last Drops of Mexico City,” read the feature at mexicocitywater.longlead.com and follow Long Lead’s social media accounts.