The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), has released its first quarterly public update on efforts to address the Tijuana River sewage crisis affecting Southern California. This update is part of a commitment to transparency following a Memorandum of Understanding signed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Mexico's Secretary of the Environment and National Resources, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, in July 2025.
Administrator Zeldin emphasized the importance of transparency in these efforts, stating, "The Trump Administration committed to delivering an urgent and permanent 100% solution to the millions of people afflicted by this crisis." He added that safeguarding public health and environmental integrity is a primary responsibility of the EPA.
USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh noted progress towards eliminating American exposure to Mexican sewage from the Tijuana River. He said, "As we accelerate our infrastructure improvements at our San Diego plant, we will continue to monitor Mexico's progress."
The MOU requires both countries to provide regular updates on their progress. Recent developments include USIBWC completing a 10 million gallons per day expansion at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) and Mexico starting construction on new collection pipes for the Tijuana River Gates project.
The MOU outlines three priorities: securing financial commitments from Mexico, accelerating project timelines, and adding necessary projects considering future population growth in the Tijuana River Valley. Future plans involve allocating funds for additional projects through 2027.
Zeldin stressed that achieving a "100% solution" requires adherence to all three pillars outlined in the agreement. The next milestone involves finalizing negotiations for a new treaty "Minute" by the end of 2025.
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