The Tijuana River, which flows from Baja California into Southern California before reaching the Pacific Ocean, has been experiencing severe pollution problems for decades. Contaminated by untreated sewage and industrial waste from Tijuana, the river has significantly impacted local beaches, resulting in health concerns for communities in San Diego County.

Environmental Rankings Highlight the Severity

On Wednesday, the environmental organization American Rivers elevated the Tijuana River to No. 2 on its annual list of America’s most endangered rivers, a notable increase from its previous ranking of No. 9. This decision aims to draw attention to the chronic pollution issues affecting the river and the lack of effective clean-up efforts.

Call to Action by Environmental Advocates

Activists from the Surfrider Foundation have initiated a petition urging President Trump to declare a national emergency, hoping this would accelerate initiatives to address the flow of untreated sewage and facilitate cleanup operations.

“The Tijuana River has moved from just being a pollution problem to being a public health crisis. Elevating the Tijuana River on our most endangered rivers list reflects that urgency,” said Ann Willis, California regional director for American Rivers.

Willis emphasized the pressing need for federal emergency funding to resolve immediate issues, including the repair of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, which processes Tijuana’s sewage but is currently in disrepair.

Progress and Ongoing Challenges

Both environmental groups stress the importance of cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico. While Mexico has been making strides, including the recent completion of a new sewage treatment plant in San Antonio de los Buenos, the necessity for enhanced actions is clear.

“We need both federal governments to step up and do more,” said Sarah Davidson, manager of Surfrider’s Clean Border Water Now program.

Davidson highlighted that repairing sewage treatment facilities and improving infrastructure on both sides of the border are essential for tackling the pollution crisis effectively.

Health Risks Associated with Pollution

The pollution from the Tijuana River poses serious health risks. Recent reports indicate that Navy SEALs and other service members have encountered illnesses attributed to high bacteria levels in the water near the border, reaffirming the impact of pollution on public health.

Furthermore, communities near the river have expressed concerns over the dangers posed by gases such as hydrogen sulfide, contributing to the public health debate surrounding the river’s polluted state.

An Urgent Call for Awareness and Action

Advocates believe that addressing this issue is paramount, equating it to other significant environmental crises in the U.S., such as the Flint water crisis.

“This is one of the largest ongoing public health and environmental justice crises in our country,” Davidson stated at a news conference while wearing a respirator to protect against air pollution.

Davidson further urged collective efforts from all levels of government to mitigate the situation in the Tijuana River Valley. “It really is impacting every aspect of community life for those communities in and near the Tijuana River Valley,” she emphasized.