Mexico City
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The Mexican and US governments signed a memorandum on Thursday to fund and promote several wastewater treatment projects in the Tijuana River Basin.
The untreated wastewater constantly affects residents living along the rivers that pass from Tijuana across the border through several neighbours in San Diego’s southern part. Residents living along the river have long fought serious health issues that researchers say stem from river pollution.
One research team based at the University of California, San Diego has discovered trace amounts of waterborne chemicals from tires, personal care products, and even illicit drugs found in the Tijuana River have been introduced into the air.
At the event celebrated in Mexico City on Thursday, the national resources of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Director Lee Zeldin and Mexican Environment Secretary Alicia Barcena, Mexico, agreed to a series of actions that both governments should take by 2027, addressing the deteriorating wastewater treatment crisis.
The agreement provides for both Mexico and the United States to recommit to funding the construction and renovation of water treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border. This document also accelerates several projects to be completed over the next two years.
“In fact, what we’re doing is trying to solve all the problems with wastewater from the Tijuana River once,” Barcena said in a speech Thursday.
Zeldin agreed, saying the agreement represents “a huge victory for millions of Americans and Mexicans.” He pointed out that President Trump’s clear interest in the issue and that by dealing with the water pollution crisis, it would ensure a safer environment for training residents and naval seals on nearby beaches.
Former Commissioner of the International Water and Boundary Commission (IBWC) Maria Elena Zinner called “great news” to reaffirm commitments by US and Mexican officials in the 328th minute, and outlines how Mexico and the US share the costs of operating and maintaining water treatment infrastructure at their borders.
Funding for wastewater treatment facilities and their continued operation have pose constant challenges. The agreement sets expectations for construction and rehabilitation projects that are not yet funded. However, given Barcena and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena Party currently control the country’s parliament, it is possible that funds will be allocated in the 2026 and 2027 budgets.
At a daily press conference with the Mexican president on Friday, Barcena noted that the US and Mexico are working to secure contracts that cover half of the upgrades of the key San Antonio de los Buenos treatment plant, each located southwest of Tijuana. She estimates that improvements to the project alone would cost $67 million or P1.2 billion.
