San Diego, California, January 26, 2026
Federal authorities have temporarily shut down a $1.1 million pilot program aimed at cleaning the Tijuana River due to damage from severe storms. The initiative utilized nanobubble ozone technology to address bacterial contamination and had shown promising early results. However, the infrastructure suffered significant damage, leading to its suspension. Discussions are ongoing about the need for more durable solutions to tackle the persistent pollution issues affecting the river.
San Diego, California
Federal Agencies Halt $1.1 Million Tijuana River Cleanup Initiative
Federal authorities have paused a $1.1 million pilot program aimed at cleaning the Tijuana River following severe storms in October 2025 that caused major damage to the infrastructure. This initiative, which commenced in late 2025, employed cutting-edge nanobubble ozone technology to mitigate the bacterial contamination plaguing the river. Although the program showed promise in its early stages, the storms proved too damaging, leading to its discontinuation.
Overview of the Pilot Program
Designed to explore the efficacy of nanobubble ozone technology against waterborne contaminants, the pilot program successfully recorded significant reductions in bacterial levels during its operation. Most notably, the program showed over 90% decreases in total coliforms and more than 80% in E. coli counts when the machinery was operational. However, these results were dependent on consistent functionality of the equipment and were not sustained over time.
Impact of Storms on the Cleanup Program
The severe storms in October 2025 severely compromised the pilot program’s infrastructure, damaging both the ozone units and auxiliary equipment. This destruction rendered the system inoperable, prompting federal agencies to halt the program. The situation has ignited discussions about the practicality of temporary solutions for the persistent pollution issues in the Tijuana River, underlining the necessity for stronger, long-lasting infrastructure investments to effectively combat environmental degradation.
Context of the Tijuana River Pollution Challenge
The Tijuana River has long faced challenges due to cross-border sewage flows from Mexico into the United States, resulting in significant environmental and public health implications. In July 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) highlighted a significant milestone with the completion of a permanent solution, including a 10 million-gallon-per-day expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego, which was notably fast-tracked to mere 100 days post-announcement.
Further addressing the issue, a state-funded pilot project was launched in December 2024 to intercept debris entering the Tijuana River from Mexico, aiming to alleviate pollution and enhance regional water quality.
Continued Efforts and Future Directions
Despite the disappointment stemming from the pilot program’s suspension, efforts to combat pollution in the Tijuana River remain strong. Collaborative commitments between the U.S. and Mexican governments are focused on enhancing infrastructure and pursuing joint projects to reduce environmental impact. Planned initiatives include the rehabilitation and enhancement of wastewater treatment facilities and further pollution control measures designed to protect public health and the environment across San Diego County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the purpose of the $1.1 million pilot program in the Tijuana River?
The pilot program aimed to test the effectiveness of nanobubble ozone technology in reducing bacterial contamination in the Tijuana River. It was initiated in late 2025 but was discontinued after severe storms in October 2025 caused significant damage to the equipment.
What were the results of the pilot program before it was halted?
Before its termination, the program demonstrated substantial reductions in bacterial indicators, including over 90% in total coliforms and more than 80% in E. coli levels on days when the units were operational. However, these improvements were temporary and limited to periods when the equipment was functioning.
Why was the pilot program discontinued?
The pilot program was discontinued after severe storms in October 2025 caused significant damage to the nanobubble ozone units and support equipment, rendering the system inoperable. This led federal authorities to halt the program.
What are the ongoing efforts to address the Tijuana River’s pollution?
Despite the setback of the pilot program, efforts to address the Tijuana River’s pollution continue. The U.S. and Mexican governments have committed to further infrastructure improvements and collaborative projects to mitigate environmental impacts. These initiatives include the rehabilitation and expansion of wastewater treatment facilities and the implementation of additional pollution control measures to protect public health and the environment in the San Diego area.
Key Features of the Tijuana River Cleanup Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Nanobubble Ozone Technology Pilot Program | A $1.1 million initiative launched in late 2025 to test the effectiveness of nanobubble ozone technology in reducing bacterial contamination in the Tijuana River. The program was discontinued after severe storms in October 2025 caused significant damage to the equipment. |
| South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion | In August 2025, the U.S. EPA and USIBWC announced the completion of a 10 million-gallon-per-day expansion to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego, fast-tracked to just 100 days after the announcement. |
| State-Funded Pilot Project for Debris Interception | In December 2024, California, federal, and international representatives launched a state-funded pilot project to intercept debris flowing from Mexico into the Tijuana River, aiming to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the region. |
| Ongoing Binational Efforts | The U.S. and Mexican governments have committed to further infrastructure improvements and collaborative projects to mitigate environmental impacts, including the rehabilitation and expansion of wastewater treatment facilities and the implementation of additional pollution control measures to protect public health and the environment in the San Diego area. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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