Pipeline collapse increases wastewater flows in Tijuana River

(UI) - The collapse of a major wastewater pipeline in Tijuana has led to increased sewage flows into the Tijuana River, prompting emergency repairs and renewed attention to long-standing cross-border wastewater challenges. 

According to the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), Tijuana's Parallel Gravity Line collapsed May 29. The 10-mile pipeline is designed to transport wastewater through the city and reduce discharges into the river near the U.S.-Mexico border, Fox5 San Diego reported.

To facilitate repairs, Mexican authorities temporarily shut down several pumping stations connected to the system. As a result, wastewater flows reaching the river have increased significantly in recent days. USIBWC data showed flows rising from approximately 0.1 million gallons per hour on May 29 to 1.6 million gallons per hour on June 2, with a peak of 2.6 million gallons per hour recorded June 1.

USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh called on Mexico's water authorities to maintain around-the-clock repair efforts and take all possible steps to minimize wastewater entering the river. The agency said its canyon collector system along the border remains operational and continues diverting dry-weather flows and sewage to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The pipeline failure marks the second rupture involving the Parallel Gravity Line this month, according to Fox5. The line is currently undergoing rehabilitation as part of a broader binational effort to address the decades-long Tijuana River sewage crisis and reduce wastewater discharges affecting communities on both sides of the border.

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