Fund the Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program FY26

Every year, billions of gallons of raw sewage, industrial waste, and trash flow into the Tijuana River Watershed, closing beaches in San Diego and sickening people and wildlife on both sides of the border.  The southernmost beach in San Diego has been closed for more than 1200 consecutive days and counting.  Pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color, making this an environmental justice issue.  

Wastewater treatment plants on both sides of the border regularly fail due to decades of neglect and inadequate capacity. A 2017 study by Scripps Institute of Oceanography linked 34,000 illnesses in Imperial Beach, CA to water pollution. Another recent study reported that sewage routinely enters the air from agitated water near the main river channel in inland communities, releasing unsafe levels of hydrogen sulfide and causing widespread illnesses.

Residents are getting sick not only when playing in the ocean or sitting on the beach, but also while standing in their own front yards or inside their homes.  Meanwhile, lifeguards, emergency responders, Navy Seals, and Border Patrol Agents work and train in contaminated environments, risking their own health and our national security.

Surfrider has long been advocating for solutions to the pollution at the US/Mexico border though the San Diego Chapter's Clean Border Water Now program.  Now we are asking Congress to fund solutions and help fill the gap of over $500 Million for the Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution - a binational project that would significantly reduce San Diego beach closures by 95% during the summer months and transboundary flows by approximately 75% year-round. 

The US/Mexico Border Water Infrastructure Grant Program (BWIP) offers one possible avenue for closing this funding gap.  The need to address this serious public health crisis and environmental justice issue warrants at least level funding, not another decrease.  We are advocating for at least level funding of $35 million for BWIP in the FY26 budget to help protect clean water and air in the San Diego/Tijuana border region for the enjoyment and health of all people.  

Visit the Clean Border Water Now page on the Surfrider Foundation San Diego's website to learn more information about the transboundary pollution crisis.