A popular lake in central Mexico that is a major tourist destination during the Day of the Dead festivities is drying up due to drought, deforestation, and the theft of its water. The lake, which is part of a municipality that shares its name and is also known as the “magical town,” is being affected by several “environmental factors” and the “illicit extraction of water,” according to Patzcuaro’s local government. The municipality says that a new committee created in April to help save the lake has already prevented the theft of “600,000 liters of water per day.” Authorities say droughts are also affecting the lake, both because its water levels aren’t being replenished and because dry spells encourage criminals to siphon off its water to sell it on. Both the town of Patzcuaro and its lake are major tourist destinations, especially during its November Day of the Dead festivities. In a 25-minute…
