The Biggest Health Crisis You've Never Heard Of
Every day, millions of gallons of untreated sewage, toxic chemicals, and trash flow through the Tijuana River Watershed at the U.S./Mexico border. Join Surfrider in calling on the President and Congress to act now to address this national emergency.
The Biggest Health Crisis You've Never Heard Of
Every day, millions of gallons of untreated sewage, toxic chemicals, and trash flow through the Tijuana River Watershed at the U.S./Mexico border. Join Surfrider in calling on the President and Congress to act now to address this national emergency.
Breaking Point
San Diego’s Border Pollution Reaches Crisis Levels
The Pacific coastline along the U.S./Mexico border is steeped in rich multi-cultural identities, contains immense biodiversity, and contributes high economic value to both countries. Yet, this region is plagued by severe pollution that threatens public health, limits coastal access, hurts ecosystems and wildlife, and jeopardizes local economies and national security. Every day, millions of gallons of untreated sewage, toxic chemicals, and trash flow through the Tijuana River Watershed at the U.S./Mexico border.
Our San Diego Surfrider Chapter has been sounding the alarm on this issue for years, and needs your support to bring this issue to the forefront of national attention.
Ecosystems are being destroyed, beaches are closed a majority of the year in South San Diego County, and this onslaught of pollution is linked to common illnesses such as asthma, gastrointestinal issues, and skin infections. Even more severe illnesses like hepatitis and flesh eating bacteria have been reported by members of our Military and Border Patrol.
Breaking Point
San Diego’s Border Pollution Reaches Crisis Levels
The Pacific coastline along the U.S./Mexico border is steeped in rich multi-cultural identities, contains immense biodiversity, and contributes high economic value to both countries. Yet, this region is plagued by severe pollution that threatens public health, limits coastal access, hurts ecosystems and wildlife, and jeopardizes local economies and national security. Every day, millions of gallons of untreated sewage, toxic chemicals, and trash flow through the Tijuana River Watershed at the U.S./Mexico border.
Our San Diego Surfrider Chapter has been sounding the alarm on this issue for years, and needs your support to bring this issue to the forefront of national attention.
Ecosystems are being destroyed, beaches are closed a majority of the year in South San Diego County, and this onslaught of pollution is linked to common illnesses such as asthma, gastrointestinal issues, and skin infections. Even more severe illnesses like hepatitis and flesh eating bacteria have been reported by members of our Military and Border Patrol.
Decades of Damage
This crisis stands out as one of the most severe and enduring violations of the Clean Water Act in the United States.
A recent study by Scripps Institute of Oceanography demonstrated that the pollution is not just in the water, it's moved into the air. People sitting on the dry sand at the beach, or at a seaside restaurant, or even in their own living rooms are at risk of developing adverse health conditions from aerosolized pollution.
You can choose to not go into the ocean, but you can't choose not to breathe.
The city of Imperial Beach loses potential revenue each year, not to mention the loss of livelihood for locals who work in hospitality and other related industries. For many inland communities in South San Diego County, Imperial Beach should be their home beach. But, they simply can't swim there without the risk of getting sick, and those who can opt to travel farther north to recreate.
The impacts of poor water quality are widespread and affect local communities in ways that reach far beyond the beach.
The impacts of poor water quality are widespread and affect local communities in ways that reach far beyond the beach.
Economic
Decreasing tourism, businesses closing, jobs lost, lowering property values
Health
Coastal and inland communities experiencing poor water and air quality
Recreation
Some beaches have been closed over 200 consecutive days and counting
Ecosystem
Wildlife experiencing poor health, habitat loss, and impaired ecosystem function
This iconic surf spot goes largely unridden…
The Tijuana Sloughs produce some of the best big waves on the West Coast, and was a historic proving ground for big wave surfers since the late 1930s. However, today, these waves often go unridden due to the imminent danger of waterborne illnesses.
What We’re Asking
Surfrider is pushing for federal-level help to secure funding to restore and protect this special place.
Federal funding is needed to get the Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution in the ground to address this public health crisis. Potential avenues include:
- Supplemental funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC)
- Appropriations at the full authorized level, for the EPA Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP)
- Annual funding through the Department of State for ongoing maintenance of the IBWC so we don’t end up in this situation again
What We’re Asking
Surfrider is pushing for federal-level help to secure funding to restore and protect this special place.
Federal funding is needed to get the Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution in the ground to address this public health crisis. Potential avenues include:
- Supplemental funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC)
- Appropriations at the full authorized level, for the EPA Border Water Infrastructure Program (BWIP)
- Annual funding through the Department of State for ongoing maintenance of the IBWC so we don’t end up in this situation again
Take Action
We're calling on the President and Congress to act now to address this national emergency.
Join us in calling for full and immediate funding of the infrastructure needed to fix the pollution problem on the US/Mexico border so we can begin to make real progress. Drastic, collective effort is needed to make a huge impact.
Together, we can bring the national attention needed to end this environmental and public health catastrophe.