Tijuana Sewage Pollution Continues to Threaten Southern California Beaches
Cross-border sewage flowing through the Tijuana River watershed continues to contaminate coastal water, cause foul odors and disrupt beach access in Imperial Beach, Silver Strand and nearby South Bay communities.
The emergency is not simply one isolated spill. It is a long-running pollution crisis connected to failures and insufficient capacity in Tijuana’s sewage collection, pumping and treatment network. Wastewater that is not captured can move through the Tijuana River, coastal tributaries and the Pacific Ocean toward Southern California beaches.
Sewage-contaminated ocean water may contain bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pollutants capable of causing gastrointestinal illness, skin or eye irritation and wound infections.
Latest reported beach impacts
On July 16, 2026, San Diego County officials issued a water-contact closure at Glorietta Bay in Coronado following a reported sewage release. At that time, closures were also continuing at the Tijuana Slough, Imperial Beach Shoreline and Silver Strand Shoreline because of sewage associated with the Tijuana River watershed.
Check Current Beach Conditions
Why the pollution continues
The City of Imperial Beach says unusually high sewage flows remain in the Tijuana River and untreated wastewater continues to be discharged at coastal locations originating in Mexico. During severe events, contaminated river flows can reach extremely high volumes.
Federal officials report that the United States and Mexico are advancing several repair and expansion projects. These include work on Tijuana pump stations and sewage-control gates, rehabilitation of major sewer lines, and expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. Some projects are expected to continue through 2027, meaning beachgoers must still follow current closure signs and testing results.
How residents can protect themselves
At the beach
- Obey every closure, warning and advisory sign.
- Do not swim, surf, wade, paddle or fish in closed water.
- Avoid river mouths, estuaries, storm drains, discolored water and visible foam.
- Do not assume water is safe because it looks or smells normal.
Children and pets
- Keep children away from contaminated water, wet sand and river channels.
- Keep dogs leashed near closed beaches and do not allow them to drink ocean or river water.
- Wash paws, fur, toys and equipment after possible exposure.
After accidental contact
- Leave the contaminated area immediately.
- Wash exposed skin thoroughly with clean water and soap.
- Rinse eyes with clean water if splashed.
- Clean and cover any cuts or open wounds.
- Wash contaminated clothing separately before reuse.
During strong sewage odors
- Go indoors when odors are intense or symptoms begin.
- Close windows and doors and place air conditioning on recirculate when possible.
- Air filtration using HEPA or MERV-13 filtration plus activated carbon may help with particles and odors.
- People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should follow their medical action plan.
Symptoms that may require medical attention
Possible symptoms associated with contaminated water or sewage-related odors include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, rash, eye irritation, infected wounds, coughing, headache, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
Official contacts
Progress, but the danger has not ended
EPA’s June 30 quarterly update reported that new Tijuana River gates are intended to prevent at least five million gallons per day of sewage from entering the river, while the South Bay treatment plant is being expanded toward a capacity of 50 million gallons per day. These improvements are important, but residents should continue treating every posted closure as a serious public-health warning.
- County of San Diego Beach & Bay Water Quality Program
- City of Imperial Beach: Tijuana River Pollution
- U.S. EPA: June 2026 Quarterly Infrastructure Update
- County of San Diego: Contaminated Water Health Information
- County of San Diego: Environmental Gases and Odors
This article provides general public-safety information and does not replace advice from health officials or medical professionals.