The Tijuana River famously runs through the Mexico-US border and empties into the ocean along San Diego’s beautiful beaches. For years, environmentalists and local residents alike have been extremely concerned by the river’s extensive pollution, but now, it seems the situation is worse than ever.
A recent study showed that the water in the Tijuana River is essentially raw sewage, which is extremely dangerous for those living nearby. Scientists say something needs to be done as soon as humanly possible.
Extensive Studies of the Tijuana River
Over the past several decades, researchers and environmentalists have dedicated untold hours to studying the pollution of the Tijuana River and its effects on both the natural ecosystems and the residents around it.
However, even though what many call the “Tijuana River sewage crisis” is far from secret, the situation hasn’t improved at all over the past several years. In fact, some say it’s become even worse.
31 Billion Gallons of Raw Sewage in Less Than One Year
One report states that a whopping 31 billion gallons of raw sewage have been dumped in the Tijuana River since October 2023.
In fact, according to Border Report, at least one million gallons of raw sewage have been released at just one location, known as the “Goat Canyon,” every single day.
Why Is the Tijuana River so Polluted?
While some say Mexico’s lackluster water treatment system is to blame, many argue that mistakes have been made on the US side as well.
Most experts agree that the problem is caused by a combination of several factors, including rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure on both sides, and severely strained binational relations.
Another Study Showed the Water Is Almost Just Raw Sewage
While the debate continues about why this is happening, no one can deny that the Tijuana River is in serious trouble.
A group of researchers from San Diego State University’s Water Innovation and Reuse Lab recently conducted a study in which they tested water from the river and reported that the sample was essentially raw sewage.
Collecting Samples From 13 Locations
The researchers, led by Alex Grant, took samples from 13 different locations along the now-infamous river, including from under the Hollister Street Bridge.
The team noted that the water under the bridge was very clearly polluted. Grant explained that the green, murky water even “smells like sewage.”
What’s So Dangerous About a Polluted River?
It’s important to understand that a river that is essentially just flowing raw sewage isn’t just disgusting; it’s exceptionally dangerous.
Raw sewage contains an exorbitant amount of bacteria and germs, as well as parasites and worms, that can and do cause stomach, liver, and intestinal illnesses.
Several San Diego Beaches Have Been Closed Down
In response to the dangers of sewage pollution in the Tijuana River, several San Diego beaches have been completely closed to visitors.
Some of the beaches have remained closed to tourists and locals alike for more than two years, and every month, more and more signs warning people against swimming are posted throughout the region.
The Pollution Can and Will Spread Throughout the Western United States
While this issue is clearly extremely pressing to those who live near the Tijuana River or frequent San Diego’s beautiful beaches, many don’t realize that this crisis could and likely will start to affect a far larger percentage of the American people.
A study conducted by Scripps Institution of Oceanography showed just how far pollution from the Tijuana River could travel up the coast, and its findings were exceedingly concerning.
What Can Be Done to Improve the Tijuana River?
Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre called the Tijuana River sewage crisis “the biggest environmental and public health disaster in the nation that nobody knows of.” So, the question now is, what can be done to improve this ongoing problem?
Fortunately, Mexico is supposedly building a $33.3 million treatment plant in Tijuana to significantly decrease the amount of sewage being released into the river. They say it will be fully functioning by September 30, which is certainly exciting news.
Environmentalists Say Sensors Are Absolutely Necessary
However, even if the treatment facility is a success, it can’t completely fix the Tijuana River sewage crisis overnight.
Therefore, environmentalists argue that pollution sensors should be implemented throughout the river so that local officials can be kept up to date on the current pollution levels at all times and warn local residents when necessary.
Protecting the Planet Is More Important Than Ever
As most of us now know, human error has drastically affected the planet we live on in numerous ways. Pollution is just part of the problem, but it’s a huge issue.
While the negative side effects for humans should be reason enough to stop polluting our rivers and other bodies of water with sewage, it’s also important to remember that sewage causes harmful algae blooms, weakens reefs, and can even destabilize entire ecosystems, all of which contribute to climate change.
