A thick layer of toxic foam once again covered a stretch of the Atoyac River near Puente de Los Gallos, sparking alarm among local residents and environmentalists who warn of ongoing contamination. This recurring phenomenon, especially common during the rainy season when increased water flow stirs up accumulated waste, was reported on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Images circulating show a white foam blanket over the river’s surface, a sight that neighbors say happens frequently and signals the presence of harmful discharges. Despite the visible pollution, Agua de Puebla, the company managing local water treatment plants, denied any responsibility for the foam. They clarified that their facilities are not the source and pointed instead to clandestine discharges and unauthorized industrial and private waste entering the river system.

According to Agua de Puebla, these illegal or unregulated releases from other tributaries are likely behind the contamination, emphasizing that their plants operate within authorized environmental standards.

This latest episode highlights the long-standing environmental challenges facing the Atoyac River basin. For decades, the river has suffered from industrial and urban pollution, with academic studies and environmental authorities documenting the presence of heavy metals and toxic compounds linked to local production activities.

As Puebla continues to develop infrastructure projects like the cablebús, which aim to improve urban mobility while reducing environmental impact, addressing the root causes of river pollution remains critical for the health and well-being of communities relying on the Atoyac.