San Diego Urges Action Against Tijuana Sewage Crisis

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia News

Residents and surfers at a San Diego beach impacted by the sewage crisis.

News Summary

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin calls for immediate action from Mexico to address the ongoing sewage crisis affecting California’s beaches. The Tijuana River has caused over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage to flow into U.S. waters, impacting public health and beach access for local residents and military personnel. Collaborative efforts are in motion to tackle the critical water quality issues, with several projects proposed to mitigate the sewage flow and improve sanitation. The urgency for a joint response from U.S. and Mexican authorities is emphasized as contamination concerns grow.

San Diego: A Call to Action for Clean Beaches

In a move that has the potential to change the water quality for many beachgoers, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is demanding that Mexico take immediate action to stop the flow of billions of gallons of sewage and toxic chemicals from Tijuana into the Pacific Ocean. This ongoing environmental crisis is being felt not just by surfers and swimmers, but also by local residents, including schoolchildren and Border Patrol agents, all of whom are affected by airborne bacteria stemming from the pollution.

The Grim Reality

On Earth Day, April 22, 2025, Zeldin visited the California-Mexico border to highlight the water quality issues caused by the Tijuana River, which has been a problem for far too long. The river runs for 120 miles, flowing through Mexico and into Southern California, where it ultimately meets the Pacific Ocean. Since 2018, over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage, laden with industrial chemicals and trash, have poured into American waters. Many California beaches near the border have been closed frequently over the last four years, leading to public health concerns and a slew of illnesses among Navy SEALs training in contaminated waters.

Highlighting the Importance of Clean Water

During his visit, Zeldin took a tour of a sewage treatment facility in San Diego County, and even flew over the Tijuana River to get a firsthand look at the issue. The pollution has been linked to 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness among Navy recruits from 2019 to 2023. The situation is not just an inconvenience; it’s becoming a serious public health emergency that requires urgent attention from both U.S. and Mexican authorities.

A Collaboration in the Works

In a bid to tackle this crisis, Zeldin announced that the EPA is preparing to provide Mexico with a “to-do list” of projects that need to be addressed as part of an initial response. Although he refrained from discussing any punitive measures that might be taken against Mexico if action is not taken, he did make it clear that the sewage problem is a priority for the current administration. Discussions regarding potential tariffs were also absent from the dialogue.

Mexico’s Environment and Natural Resources Secretary has expressed the country’s willingness to cooperate in resolving the issue. This collaborative spirit is a positive turn of events, especially with the recent inauguration of Mexico’s new President, who might help hasten effective solutions. However, the need for an immediate response remains critical.

What’s Being Done?

Since 2020, more than $653 million has been allocated to tackle this pressing issue, but progress has been slow due to various delays. Local political leaders are actively compiling comprehensive lists of necessary projects to effectively stop the sewage flow, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Among these projects includes the construction of floodgates in Tijuana to better collect trash and a proposal to divert 10 million gallons of sewage away from the shoreline.

The South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has a capacity of treating 25 million gallons per day, has been pivotal in combating this crisis. Recent upgrades to the San Antonio de los Buenos plant in Mexico have been implemented, which should help further reduce the pollution. Yet, the community and environmental advocacy groups continue to call for immediate action, treating the Tijuana sewage crisis as a national security matter due to its impact on Navy operational readiness.

Time for Action

With California’s beaches facing prolonged contamination issues and growing discontent among residents, the time for patience has passed. The next steps depend heavily on swift action from both the U.S. and Mexico. Clean waters are not just a luxury; they are essential for the health and well-being of everyone living in and visiting the area.