News Summary
San Diego County has extended beach closures due to sewage contamination from the Tijuana River. The advisory affects beaches from the international border to Imperial Beach, raising health concerns for residents and visitors. While some areas are reopened, local officials are actively monitoring water quality for safety. This ongoing issue has persisted since 2021, necessitating continuous advisories and public health measures to ensure the safety of recreational waters.
San Diego Officials Extend Beach Closures Due to Ongoing Sewage Contamination from Tijuana River
San Diego County officials have extended a water contact closure along a significant portion of the coastline due to persistent sewage contamination flowing from the Tijuana River. This advisory, issued by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality, raises concerns that swimming and other water activities may pose health risks to the public.
The extended closure encompasses areas along the Tijuana Slough, stretching from the international border shoreline to three-quarters of a mile north of the Tijuana River Outlet. Additionally, the shoreline of Imperial Beach has been included in this closure due to recent testing revealing elevated levels of sewage contamination.
Ongoing Monitoring and Recent Developments
Health officials have indicated that the ocean waters will remain closed until comprehensive sampling and field observations confirm that the affected areas are safe for public use. While the Imperial Beach shoreline from Seacoast Drive to the Imperial Beach Pier has been closed due to high sewage levels, other local areas have received varying advisories regarding water safety.
The beach area off Avenida Lunar in Coronado has recently reopened as water quality samples taken from this region met state health standards. However, a new advisory has been put in place for Swami’s Beach in Encinitas due to detected excessive bacteria levels. Additionally, several other beaches, including Bonita Cove, Glorietta Bay, La Jolla Cove, and San Elijo Lagoon Outlet, continue to have active advisories due to bacteria levels exceeding safe limits.
Background of Sewage Contamination Issues
The problems with sewage contamination in San Diego’s coastal waters largely stem from the flow of the Tijuana River, leading to periodic beach closures over the years. The situation has been particularly pronounced since 2021, when the Tijuana Slough shoreline was initially closed due to ongoing contamination problems.
In April 2023, efforts were made to address the situation when Mexico completed repairs on the Punta Bandera Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is intended to reduce the quantity of sewage flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, in May, initiatives led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Boundary and Water Commission sought to expedite the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant, with expectations of completion in just over three months. These measures are part of a broader objective to improve water quality along the border and minimize the impact of sewage on recreational waters.
Public Health and Safety Measures
Local authorities in San Diego continuously monitor the water quality at local beaches. Advisories are promptly issued whenever bacterial levels exceed state health standards, to inform residents and visitors of potential health risks. The repeated closures and advisories highlight ongoing public health concerns linked to sewage contamination from the Tijuana River.
The situation in San Diego continues to evolve, but the health and safety of beachgoers remain the highest priority. The community is urged to stay informed and heed advisories issued by health officials regarding water quality and safety in local recreational areas.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Water Contact Closure – Times of San Diego
- Wikipedia: Water Pollution
- Imperial Beach Shoreline Closure – Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: San Diego Beach Closures
- Coronado Shoreline Closure – NBC San Diego
- Google Scholar: Beach Contamination San Diego
- La Jolla Mom – San Diego Beaches
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Safety
- Advisories for San Diego Beaches – 10 News
- Google News: Sewage Contamination San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
