News Summary
Coronado’s northern beaches have reopened following temporary closures due to sewage contamination from Tijuana, which affected beachgoers over Memorial Day weekend. Recent water samples now meet health standards, allowing the reopening of North Beach and the Coronado Lifeguard Tower. Meanwhile, other swimming areas remain closed pending further testing. This sewage crisis has raised environmental concerns, prompting actions for improvements to wastewater treatment facilities aimed at preventing future incidents and ensuring public safety.
Coronado, California – Coronado’s northern beaches have reopened after being temporarily closed due to high levels of bacteria caused by a sewage crisis from Tijuana. The closures affected beachgoers over the Memorial Day weekend, with the shoreline initially closed on May 23 and the northernmost stretch of Coronado Beach closing on May 24. The Silver Strand Shoreline first closed on May 18 and remained shut until May 31.
The closures were a direct response to a significant contamination event, prompting health officials to prioritize public safety. The temporary shutdowns were necessary due to wastewater contamination that pushed harmful bacteria into coastal waters. However, recent water samples taken from North Beach and the Coronado Lifeguard Tower met state health standards, leading to the reopening of these areas.
The reopening came on the heels of Mexico’s completion of phase two of the International Collector project on May 21. This initiative involves the construction of a pipeline designed to transport raw sewage from Tijuana to nearby treatment plants. The system, which has been aging, is often prone to leaks causing significant environmental issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Throughout the construction phase, Mexico implemented temporary measures to divert approximately 75 million gallons of untreated sewage away from the Tijuana River, mitigating further damage to the coastal waters.
The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) indicated that the sewage discharges have necessitated beach closures in Coronado on multiple occasions in both April and May. The ongoing crises have prompted authorities in the U.S. to take action, including repairs and expansions to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP). Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced expedited plans to enhance the SBIWTP, aiming to increase its capacity from 25 million gallons per day (MGD) to 35 MGD within an accelerated timetable of 100 days. Ultimately, the plant’s full capacity is expected to rise to 50 MGD, with peak flow capabilities reaching up to 75 MGD.
Despite the reopening of some beach areas, other swimming spots along the shoreline remain closed pending additional testing to ensure the water is safe for recreation. Beachgoers are being advised to avoid impacted waters to prevent potential illness from contaminated water. This ongoing situation underscores the fragility of environmental infrastructure in the region and the importance of continuous monitoring to protect public health and safety.
The sewage crisis has highlighted significant environmental concerns that affect the coastal ecosystem and local communities. As Coronado and surrounding areas work to recover from these challenges, residents and visitors are reminded of the critical importance of water quality and health standards in ensuring safe recreational opportunities along the beautiful Southern California coastline. The successful reopening of Coronado’s northern beaches represents a cautious step forward, but vigilance remains key as the fight against pollution continues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado Beaches Closed Due to Sewage Contamination
Imperial Beach Calls for Federal Action on Tijuana Sewage Crisis
Imperial Beach Leaders Demand Federal Action on Sewage Crisis
Coronado Unveils Valor App for Military Families
Coronado Beaches Reopen After Sewage Scare: A Sunny Comeback!
Tragic Early Morning Crash Claims Two Lives in San Diego
Coronado Celebrates Local Valor with Seaman Apprentice Abbot
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Coronado’s Beaches Reopen
- Wikipedia: Water Pollution
- NBC San Diego: Water Contact Closure Issued
- Google Search: Coronado Beach Water Quality
- Patch: Coronado Beaches Reopen
- Google Scholar: Water Contamination Beaches
- LA Times: Authorities Close Some Beaches
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Quality
- Fox 5 San Diego: Parts of Imperial Beach Coastline Reopens
- Google News: Imperial Beach Closure
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.
