Tijuana River Sewage Contamination a ‘Public Health Crisis’

A contaminated river in California is posing an “escalating public health crisis,” a new study has found.

The sewage contamination in the Tijuana River, which flows 120 miles from Baja California, Mexico, to the south of California, was analyzed by researchers at San Diego State University. Over 100 billion gallons of untreated sewage, urban runoff and industrial waste has been spilled into the Tijuana over the past five years, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission.

Sewage ends up in rivers through various pathways. It’s usually a result of poor sewage treatment practices, infrastructure issues and insufficient regulation, and it can cause serious health effects on the surrounding area.

“This environmental catastrophe has hurt the region for many years, resulting in decades of adverse health consequences,” Congressmember Scott Peters, who commissioned the study, said in a summary of the findings. “We must approach it as a health and national security concern, which is why I asked the Prebys Foundation to help me build the case that this crisis goes far beyond beach closures; the people of South Bay now endure constant toxic air pollution that damages their health and well-being.”

The new paper brings past research together to highlight the seriousness of the problem. It reports how the toxic chemicals from the untreated sewage pose an airborne threat, rather than just remaining in the water.

The chemicals can also settle in soil, where they linger for a long time. This presents an increased threat, to not just marine life, but the wider environment.

Pathogens found in the contaminated water include antibiotic-resident bacteria and other chemicals that pose a serious threat to vulnerable people, including children and pregnant women.

It’s thought these chemicals could cause chronic health conditions and diseases, however the extent of the risk needs further investigation.

Researchers have flagged “a public health crisis with the possibility for long-term impacts on health, society, and the economy.”

The contamination has caused over 700 consecutive days in beach closures, according to the study.

“There needs to be more research done to fully understand the extent of the risks posed by exposure to these dangerous contaminants,” Paula Stigler Granados, associate professor at SDSU’s School of Public Health and the paper’s lead author, said in the summary. “Urgent interventions are needed to help reduce and address both the immediate and long-term potential health repercussions to those living near this hazardous environment.”

Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre is also concerned that the contamination will “greatly reduce the quality of life for the community.”

“It’s a challenging task, but now is the moment to ensure that our elderly, our children, and water enthusiasts are not exposed to heightened health hazards while simply trying to enjoy a sunny day,” Aguirre said. “Tackling this problem promptly and effectively is essential, as it is closely linked to the health and well-being of South Bay communities. The residents of Imperial Beach are worthy of far more than what they have been handed down.”