Mexican officials announced on Thursday that the contamination of the Tijuana River could be fully resolved by 2027, pending the completion of infrastructure projects outlined in binational agreements with the United States.
During the president’s morning press conference, Environment Secretary Alicia Bárcena provided an update on the country’s progress under Minute 333 of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), an agreement signed last year to tackle cross-border pollution affecting both San Diego and Tijuana.
Mexico Reports 17 Completed Projects
According to Bárcena, Mexico has already fulfilled its commitments under the agreement, with 17 of the approximately 38 planned projects either finalized or significantly advanced, as part of the federal government’s strategy to improve water quality and reduce pollution.
A centerpiece of Mexico’s strategy is the expansion of the San Antonio de los Buenos wastewater treatment plant. Once operational, the upgraded facility will substantially increase processing capacity, reducing the volume of contaminated runoff that reaches the Pacific Ocean.
While Mexico reports progress, Bárcena noted that the United States still has outstanding obligations particularly at the South Bay international treatment plant on the American side.
Binational Coordination Still Intact
The secretary emphasized that both governments maintain regular coordination through the IBWC to monitor project timelines and assess progress.
U.S. authorities, she added, have acknowledged Mexico’s efforts to date. Although the cleanup is far from over, Bárcena confirmed that construction will continue through the remainder of this year, with the federal government expressing confidence that the Tijuana river will be cleaned by 2027.
