San Diego, California, February 7, 2026
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently visited San Diego to evaluate progress in addressing the Tijuana River sewage crisis. This environmental issue has plagued Southern California for decades, affecting local communities. Zeldin highlighted the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, indicating collaborative efforts with Mexican authorities to mitigate pollution from untreated sewage. The improvements aim to enhance the environmental quality in the region and ensure public health safety.
San Diego, California – EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Addresses Tijuana River Sewage Crisis
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited San Diego on February 6, 2026, to assess progress in resolving the Tijuana River sewage crisis, a longstanding environmental issue affecting Southern California communities.
Progress in Sewage Treatment Expansion
During his visit, Administrator Zeldin highlighted significant advancements in wastewater treatment infrastructure. The South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) has expanded its capacity from 25 to 35 million gallons per day, a 40% increase aimed at reducing sewage flow into the Tijuana River. This expansion was completed in a record 100-day construction timeline, marking a substantial improvement in addressing the crisis.
Collaborative Efforts with Mexican Authorities
Administrator Zeldin met with Mexican Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena to discuss ongoing projects and future plans. Both parties emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of infrastructure projects designed to divert sewage from the Tijuana River. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to achieve a permanent solution to the pollution affecting the region.
Community and Environmental Impact
The Tijuana River sewage crisis has had significant environmental and public health consequences for communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. The flow of untreated sewage has led to beach closures and health concerns among residents. The recent infrastructure improvements aim to mitigate these issues and restore environmental quality to the affected areas.
Background on the Sewage Crisis
The Tijuana River sewage crisis has been a persistent problem for decades, with untreated sewage and industrial waste flowing from Tijuana, Mexico, into the United States. This pollution has impacted the Tijuana River Valley, leading to environmental degradation and health risks for residents in Southern California. Efforts to address the crisis have involved both U.S. and Mexican authorities, focusing on infrastructure improvements and collaborative initiatives to eliminate the pollution.
Looking Ahead
Administrator Zeldin emphasized the need for continued urgency and collaboration to fully resolve the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Ongoing projects and future plans aim to further reduce sewage flow and address the environmental challenges faced by the region. The commitment from both U.S. and Mexican officials underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to environmental protection and public health.
Key Features of the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis Resolution Efforts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Expansion | Expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant from 25 to 35 million gallons per day, completed in 100 days. |
| Collaborative Initiatives | Joint efforts with Mexican authorities to implement projects diverting sewage from the Tijuana River. |
| Community Impact | Addressing environmental degradation, beach closures, and health concerns in Southern California communities. |
| Future Plans | Ongoing and future projects aimed at further reducing sewage flow and restoring environmental quality. |
FAQ
What is the Tijuana River sewage crisis?
The Tijuana River sewage crisis refers to the longstanding issue of untreated sewage and industrial waste flowing from Tijuana, Mexico, into the United States, particularly affecting the Tijuana River Valley and surrounding communities in Southern California.
What actions have been taken to address the crisis?
Significant infrastructure improvements have been implemented, including the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which increased its capacity from 25 to 35 million gallons per day. Additionally, collaborative efforts with Mexican authorities have focused on projects to divert sewage from the Tijuana River.
How has the community been affected?
Communities along the U.S.-Mexico border have experienced environmental degradation, beach closures, and health concerns due to the flow of untreated sewage. The recent infrastructure improvements aim to mitigate these issues and restore environmental quality to the affected areas.
What is the future outlook for resolving the crisis?
Ongoing projects and future plans aim to further reduce sewage flow and address environmental challenges. The commitment from both U.S. and Mexican officials underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to environmental protection and public health.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego County Takes Action on Tijuana River Pollution
San Diego County Allocates Funds to Tackle Tijuana River Pollution
San Diego Residents’ ‘Fee Fatigue’ Challenges Tax Hike Proposal
Mental Health Crisis Highlights Public Safety Concerns in San Diego
San Diego Residents Invited to Nominate Favorite Ocean Beach Businesses
San Diego County Proposes Measures to Address Tijuana River Pollution
Ric Militi Recognized in 2025 SD500 List for Leadership in San Diego
San Diego’s Independent Budget Analyst Proposes Water Rate Mitigation Strategies
Major Sewage Pipeline Collapse Discharges Millions into Tijuana River
Ric Militi Recognized as a Leader in San Diego’s Business Scene
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
