San Diego County is moving forward with a plan to treat sewage from Mexico that flows into the Pacific Ocean and pollutes its beaches. The County Board of Supervisors voted this week to authorize a three-phase initiative aimed at tackling the long-standing issue of transboundary pollution from the Tijuana River.
The plan includes initial studies of various sewage treatment systems, followed by the installation of facilities designed to treat water from the Tijuana River before it reaches the ocean. This proactive local approach comes after years of what the sources describe as slow action from state and federal governments. The Trump administration had previously reached an agreement with Mexico to expand wastewater treatment infrastructure and divert treated sewage, but the problem persists.
Recent summers have seen beach closures and significant disruption, with toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide emanating from the polluted river. The foul odors have impacted local communities and the vital tourist industry. San Diego County, already a leader in water management with its Carlsbad desalination plant, has now decided to take direct action to protect public health and the local economy.
While acknowledging that San Diego County cannot solve the entire problem unilaterally and that Mexico must fulfill its commitments, local officials are prioritizing immediate intervention. The county hopes that its investment in water treatment facilities may also encourage greater urgency from officials in Mexico and Washington.