The decades-long sewage crisis originating from Tijuana is threatening both public health and national security as raw sewage contaminates U.S. waters, closing beaches and endangering Navy SEALs.
At a Glance
- The Tijuana River’s pollution has escalated to a severe public health threat.
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to assess the crisis in San Diego.
- Activists demand a national emergency declaration to expedite cleanup.
- Cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico is crucial for a long-term solution.
A Mounting Crisis
Raw sewage and industrial waste from Tijuana have been pouring into the Tijuana River for decades, wreaking havoc on the environment and public health along the U.S.-Mexico border. Contaminated waters have led to frequent beach closures in San Diego County communities, raising significant concerns over health risks and foul odors infiltrating these areas. The intense pollution has even prompted the American Rivers group to rank the Tijuana River No. 2 on its list of the nation’s most endangered rivers—a disturbing leap from No. 9 the previous year. The imminent threat cannot be ignored any longer.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has acknowledged the growing environmental disaster and has made plans to visit San Diego for a firsthand assessment. His visit signifies the urgency of the issue, reinforcing the need for swift action. As Zeldin put it, “The raw sewage flowing from Mexico into the Tijuana River is creating serious, detrimental issues for communities with affected waterways.” Immediate measures are required, as the contamination directly threatens marine life and human safety.
Public Health and Security Risks
With pollution levels in the Tijuana River skyrocketing, health and safety challenges abound. The Department of Defense reported over 1,100 cases of illness among Navy SEALs training in contaminated waters—a shocking indicator of the crisis’s scope. Meanwhile, Surfrider Foundation has petitioned for a national emergency declaration to quicken cleanup efforts, echoing calls from environmental groups pushing for increased U.S. funding and collaboration with Mexico to repair and properly maintain sewage treatment facilities.
“The Tijuana River has moved from just being a pollution problem to being a public health crisis. Elevating the Tijuana River on our most endangered rivers list reflects that urgency. What we need urgently is for the Trump administration to make a federal emergency declaration. This would free up funding to address some of the right-now problems.” – Ann Willis
Local leaders like Coronado Mayor John Duncan are advocating for strong resolutions. Frustrated by continuous closures of beaches in Imperial Beach, Silver Strand State Beach, and Coronado due to high bacteria levels, Duncan declared, “It’s insane. There’s toxic sewage. It makes you want to throw up.” Communities bear the severe repercussions of this U.S.-Mexico debacle, as gases and vapors from the river further deteriorate air quality, posing heightened health risks to unsuspecting residents.
The Path Forward
As the environmental and health crisis deepens, the turning point lies in cross-border cooperation. Both nations must engage in meaningful dialogue to address the challenges faced. “We need both federal governments to step up and do more. It will require cooperation across the border. It will require diplomacy and long-term funding from both governments, so it’s necessary to find those avenues to work with the Mexican government as well,” stated Sarah Davidson.
“A growing environmental crisis is drawing national attention as raw sewage from Tijuana continues to flow into U.S. waters, affecting communities in San Diego and the Navy SEALs who train there.” – Stella Escobedo
The pressing demand for solutions grows only stronger. The situation mirrors historical crises like Flint’s water debacle, driving activists to demand heightened awareness and prioritization from federal entities through actions like potential sanctions on Mexico for each gallon of sewage crossing into U.S. territory. “We moved from number nine to number two, and that’s concerning,” expressed Ramon Chairez, illustrating the danger of further stagnation.
