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Contaminated Water Flow Across U.S.-Mexico Border
Context:
The amount of sewage flowing through the Tijuana River last year set a new record, surpassing all previous levels since 2000, and it is likely to break records again this year.
More in News:
- 2023 Record: Over 44 billion gallons of contaminated water crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into San Diego County, the highest volume in the past 25 years.
- 2024 Projections: This year’s volumes may surpass previous records if more damaging rainstorms occur.
- June 2024 Data: The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) reported 33.55 billion gallons of polluted water, equivalent to 50,800 Olympic-size swimming pools.
The Tijuana River and Its Challenges:
- States: California (United States), Baja California (Mexico).
- Path: The River flows 120 miles through northwest Baja California and the Tijuana Estuary in Southern California before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.
- Long-standing Crisis: The River has been a central issue in transboundary pollution between the U.S. and Mexico for decades.
- Consequences: Public health problems, closed beaches, and severe environmental degradation have affected the Tijuana River Estuary and coastal waters from Tijuana to Coronado.
- Lack of Progress: Despite public commitments from both governments to resolve the sewage issue, substantial progress has not been achieved.
- Tijuana Estuary:
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- Significance: It is a National Estuarine Research Reserve and the largest remaining natural coastal wetland in Southern California.
- Biodiversity: Home to over 370 bird species and multiple endangered species.
About The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) :
- The commission was established in 1889.
- It is responsible for applying and managing boundary and water treaties between the United States and Mexico.
- Composed of two sections: the United States Section (USIBWC) and the Mexican Section.
- The U.S. Section is headquartered in El Paso, Texas, and the Mexican Section is headquartered in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
- The mission is to apply treaty rights and obligations in a way that benefits the social and economic welfare of people on both sides of the boundary and to improve relations between the two countries.