Analyses Support Vital Water Quality Infrastructure Projects in Tijuana River Watershed

Raw sewage and other waste flows from Tijuana, Mexico, into Southern California, polluting water resources and depriving communities of recreational and economic opportunities. From mid-2020 to late 2021, ERG and sister company PG Environmental have analyzed the feasibility, costs, and environmental benefits of numerous infrastructure projects proposed on both sides of the border. Examples of these projects include expanding and upgrading wastewater conveyance and treatment, river water diversion and treatment, trash capture, and water reuse. Using the results from PG and ERG’s analysis, EPA is dedicating $300 million—allocated as part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement—for infrastructure that will mitigate the impacts from the transboundary pollution. These projects are expected to improve water quality in the Tijuana River watershed, reduce beach closures in Southern California, and create safer conditions along the international border.