Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Sewage Discharge Continues into Tijuana River from Mexico
SAN DIEGO, CA – A substantial volume of untreated sewage, estimated at five million gallons daily, is currently being discharged into the Tijuana River, flowing across the international border from Mexico. Mexican authorities have confirmed this deliberate release of wastewater, which is anticipated to persist for several days as infrastructure repairs are undertaken.
Official Statement from International Boundary and Water Commission
The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) issued a communication addressing the situation, stating, “Mexico has informed us of commencing the discharge of approximately 5 million gallons per day of wastewater into the Tijuana River beginning Tuesday night. This action is necessitated by urgent repairs to a critical components within the International Collector Project junction box.”
Infrastructure Repairs Force Wastewater Diversion
According to the IBWC, Mexican authorities explored alternative solutions for several days before concluding that diverting the sewage flow was unavoidable. The repairs are being conducted on infrastructure integral to the international pipeline system that transports raw sewage from Tijuana to treatment facilities. Officials indicated that the diversion is essential to facilitate immediate repairs to this critical junction.
Wastewater Flow and Repair Timeline
Authorities assert that the majority of the diverted wastewater is directed towards the Mexican coast. However, approximately five million gallons each day are entering the Tijuana River. The repair work necessitating this sewage discharge is projected to last for around five days, coinciding with the ongoing project to rehabilitate the international collector pipeline.