What is the Tijuana River sewage crisis?

The Tijuana River sewage crisis is a decades-long environmental disaster where untreated sewage from Tijuana, Mexico flows across the border into Imperial Beach and South Bay San Diego communities. This cross-border sewage pollution causes beach closures, public health risks, habitat destruction, and economic losses. The crisis has resulted in over 900 days of beach closures and a 480% increase in sewage dumping.

What is the solution to the Tijuana River sewage crisis?

The science-based solution is upstream diversion in Mexico through 24/7 operation of the PBCILA (Punta Bandera International Wastewater Treatment Plant) pumps. Data from the Tijuana River Diversion Study shows that increasing diversion capacity from 1,000 liters per second to 2,600 lps reduces transboundary flow days from 138 to just 30 days per year—a 78% reduction. This addresses the root cause rather than managing symptoms, without requiring new infrastructure.

How do PBCILA pumps solve the Tijuana sewage problem?

PBCILA pumps divert sewage before it crosses the border by capturing flows upstream in Mexico and redirecting them to treatment facilities. When operated at full capacity 24/7 with proper maintenance, these pumps can handle 2,600 liters per second, reducing transboundary sewage flow days from 138 to 30 per year. This proven infrastructure just needs adequate funding, staffing, and operational commitment to work effectively.

Why are Imperial Beach beaches closed so often?

Imperial Beach and South Bay beaches experience frequent closures due to cross-border sewage pollution from the Tijuana River. Untreated sewage contains dangerous bacteria and pathogens that make the water unsafe for swimming and recreation. With 138 transboundary flow days per year under current conditions, beaches are closed for extended periods, harming public health, tourism, and the local economy. Proper PBCILA pump operation could reduce this to 30 days per year.

What can I do to help solve the Tijuana River sewage crisis?

You can help by: 1) Signing C4CC's petition demanding 24/7 PBCILA pump operation and proper funding, 2) Contacting elected officials to prioritize this issue, 3) Donating to support C4CC's advocacy work, 4) Sharing information about the science-based solution with your community, and 5) Attending C4CC community meetings to stay informed and get involved in advocacy efforts.

Citizens for Coastal Conservancy

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