Understanding the Public Health Crisis in the Tijuana Watershed

The Pacific coastline along the U.S./Mexico border is steeped in rich multicultural identities, contains immense biodiversity, and contributes high economic value to both countries. Yet, this region is plagued by severe pollution that threatens public health, coastal access, ecosystems and wildlife, local economies and national security. 

Every day, millions of gallons of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and trash flow across the U.S./Mexico border, impacting 20 miles of international coastline and hundreds of thousands of people who live in, work in, and visit this region. The toxic flows cause beach closures in South San Diego County and widespread illnesses on both sides of the border.  This is a grave public health crisis and one of the most significant environmental justice issues in the United States.  

It will take all of us standing up, adding our voices, and demanding action to create the social movement necessary to end this crisis.  Join this conversation to learn more about the crisis and what you can do.

Sarah Davidson manages Surfrider's Clean Border Water Now program, based in San Diego.