Over the last few years in the heart of the United States-Mexico border region, an international crisis has been steadily gaining momentum, casting a shadow of concern over communities on both sides. The Tijuana River sewage crisis has thrust water treatment professionals into a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and the environment. 

For years, the Tijuana River Valley has grappled with sewage pollution. However, recent developments have elevated this issue into a full-blown crisis. Last Tuesday, California Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein called on the senate to fund the river’s clean up in an upcoming emergency funding bill, which includes $4 Billion for border issues, as well as $24 Billion for Ukraine and 12 billion for FEMA.

As Tijuana’s population grows, its aging water treatment infrastructure simply cannot keep up with the trash and sewage, as well as heavy rainfall events that can overwhelm the system. Contaminated waters from the Tijuana River flow from Mexico into the United States, affecting San Diego County in California. The sewage pollution in the Tijuana River brings with it an array of health risks. Exposure to harmful. pathogens, toxins, and pollutants in these contaminated waters can lead to a variety of health issues, particularly for those residing near the affected areas. This crisis not only jeopardizes the well-being of residents, but also poses a grave threat to coastal ecosystems, including delicate estuaries and the vast Pacific Ocean. 

Governor of California Gavin Newsom has also asked President Joe Biden to free up $300 million of the estimated $650 million it will take to solve the problem; however, he stopped short of declaring an official emergency. “I want to thank President Biden, U.S. EPA, and the IBWC for their commitment to move this critical project forward on expedited timelines. This has been an issue that San Diego communities have dealt with for far too long. It’s an important step forward that the work on this critical project will finally begin.” Newsom said in a Press Release Friday. 

Sources: CA.gov, The San Diego Union-Tribune