Officials from Mexico, the U.S., and the North American Development Bank (NADBank) broke ground on wastewater infrastructure projects in Tijuana on April 27, 2026, to upgrade failing systems responsible for millions of gallons of untreated sewage flowing into the binational Tijuana River.

Addressing a Decades-Long Crisis

The projects focus on upgrading lift stations and replacing deteriorated pipes to prevent sewage pollution, reduce beach closures, and improve public health on both sides of the border. The event was attended by Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, NADBank Managing Director John Beckham, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Division Director Tomas Torres.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades

Upgrades will be made to the PB1A and PB1B lift stations, essential components of Tijuana’s wastewater system. These stations pump wastewater across the U.S.-Mexico border to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant. Failures, often due to power outages, have previously resulted in sewage bypassing a drain and contaminating the river.

The Tijuana River Gates project will also replace 35,700 feet of deteriorated wastewater pipes along sections of the city’s collection system that frequently leak into the river.

Funding and Expected Impact

NADBank is financing the initiatives, with the $8.4 million river gates project jointly funded by Mexico and the U.S. The pumps project will receive a $13.4 million grant from the EPA. The EPA estimates these projects will prevent five million gallons of sewage from entering the river daily.

These efforts are part of a broader memorandum of understanding between Mexico and the U.S., outlining two dozen projects to resolve the long-standing sewage crisis. Governor Ávila Olmeda emphasized the shared commitment to the well-being of citizens on both sides of the border.

The repeated failures of the wastewater system have caused widespread contamination, leading to beach closures and health advisories. These collaborative efforts aim to significantly improve water quality and public health outcomes for communities affected by the Tijuana River sewage crisis.