California Leaders Seek Federal Help With Border Sewage Crisis

The border city in San Diego County has closed beaches for 1,000 straight days because of contamination from Mexico.
California Leaders Seek Federal Help With Border Sewage Crisis
Raw sewage flows along the Tijuana River in San Diego on June 27, 2024. Mike Bake/Reuters
Jill McLaughlin
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Raw sewage from Tijuana, Mexico, flowing into ocean waters along the southern San Diego County coastline has repeatedly closed beaches—one of them for more than 1,000 consecutive days—prompting California officials to ask for emergency help Sept. 5.

The Imperial Beach in southern San Diego County closed to the public on Dec. 8, 2021, when local health officials first declared bacteria in the water had reached a level that threatened public health.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.