Troubling New Report Declares Sewage Contaminated Water a Public Health Crisis

The U.S.-Mexico border region faces a public health crisis as billions of gallons of contaminated sewage flow from Mexico into IB according to a newly released report from San Diego State University's School of Public Health. The report, which was released on February 13, deemed the cross-border contamination a "public health crisis" and warned that "current regulation and monitoring measures are inadequate."

The researchers found human and livestock diseases, pathogens carrying antibiotic-resistant genes, and industrial chemicals not permitted to be discharged in California in water samples, according to the report. Soil samples showed levels of the poisonous elements arsenic and cadmium that exceeded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds for safety.

Water samples taken from the Tijuana River and Estuary, showed a range of dangerous viruses and bacteria, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, Salmonella, Vibrio, Streptococcus, Listeria, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to the report.

The report also cites levels of antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli and Legionella bacteria found in the contaminated water, "which are of considerable public health concern."



"Urgent interventions are needed to help reduce and address both the immediate and long-term potential health repercussions to those living near this hazardous environment," said Paula Stigler Granados, Associate Professor in SDSU's School of Public Health and the paper's lead author.

"The longer we take to stop the contamination, the greater the risk of exposures," Granados noted. "Investment in our infrastructure to stop the pollution is critical."

Toxic chemicals and bacteria – which were once believed to be isolated in the sewage alone – can be dispersed in water and air, especially during weather events, the report reveals.

Mayor Aguirre and other elected local, state and federal officials have asked Congress for an additional $310 million in federal funds to address the issue, and for President Biden to declare a State of Emergency, but neither has been approved.

"We also need additional intervention from our state administration. Our governor has advocated for that supplemental funding request, but he has fallen short of declaring a state of emergency," Aguirre added.

We need to do our part and keep the pressure on our elected officials to get us the help we need to address this worsening problem. Take action and contact them today!!

"Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it’s something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles."

— Abbie Hoffman

The most recent City Council meeting showed the importance of public participation in government. Participation is more than just showing up. We need to show up AND speak.

Our voices supporting reasonable campaign regulations were drowned out by those who wanted drastic reductions in campaign contribution limits - from $5,500 which is now allowed under State law, to $250 which will be our new limit in IB when the ordinance approved by City Council goes into effect next month. Despite their political motives and unsubstantiated claims, the proponents of the new ordinance were well organized and successful in making their voices heard and getting what they wanted.

On the other important issue we asked you to support - saving the 227 bus route - the voices of those who supported the bus route far outnumbered those who wanted to see it eliminated. Users and supporters of the route were organized and successful in making their voices heard and getting what they wanted.

In both cases, Council listened to the people. But they can't listen to us if we are silent. If we want government of the people, by the people and for the people, we the people need to do more than just show up at the polls. We need to show up, speak up and speak out at meetings throughout the year.

Save the Date - March 7

The next meeting of the IBDC is at 6 PM on March 7 via Zoom. We will be considering the following endorsements:

Kate Bishop, Chula Vista Elementary School Board District Seat 4; Jose Rodriguez, National City Council District 2: and Matthew Leyba Gonzalez, Imperial Beach City Council, District 4.

Additional details will be provided before the meeting.