Tijuana River sewage repeatedly closes Southern California beaches
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Some of Southern California’s best-known beaches are in danger of closing repeatedly as sewage continues to pollute coastal waters.
In Coronado, a beach community near San Diego, county officials advised visitors to avoid contact with water. Warning signs along the shoreline warn that exposure could lead to illness as polluted runoff enters the Pacific Ocean.
The problem is largely linked to the Tijuana River, which carries untreated wastewater from Mexico into U.S. waters. Ocean currents then push the pollution northward along the coastline.
MANY BEACHES HAVE BEEN DEEMED UNSAFE AS AUTHORITIES ISSUED EMERGENCY HEALTH ALERTS TO THE PUBLIC
Authorities say the scale of the problem is serious. Every day, up to 30 million gallons of sewage-contaminated water flows from Tijuana into the Pacific Ocean, polluting beaches along the Southern California coast. Wall StreetJournal.
In Coronado, officials warn visitors to stay away from ocean water because 30 million gallons of sewage from Tijuana flows into the Pacific each day and can cause illness. (Guillermo Arias/AFP)
Even luxury beachfront properties were affected. The waters near the historic Hotel del Coronado are in danger of closing due to unsafe conditions, the outlet said.
Sewage pollution from the Tijuana River has been linked to respiratory problems and other illnesses in nearby communities.
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Hydrogen sulfide, a gas often associated with sewage, can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and cause more serious health effects at higher concentrations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
County officials advise visitors to avoid contact with the water because sewage pollution has been linked to diseases. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Exposure to dirty water can lead to gastrointestinal diseases, while airborne toxins are linked to headaches and respiratory problems.
Doctors and community advocates say children are particularly affected, with some reporting increased asthma symptoms, skin rashes and other pollution-related health problems. California publication CalMatters reported.
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Residents also raised concerns about persistent odors along the shoreline.
“There’s a really unpleasant sewer smell outside coming into my apartment,” one user wrote on Reddit. “This situation has been going on for months and there is no improvement.”
Polluted water and air have been linked to illnesses, especially in children, and residents complain of persistent sewage odors along the coast. (iStock)
“This is disgusting,” another user added. “This has been going on for too long.”
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Fox News Digital previously reported that the sewage problem has drawn federal attention and officials are warning of broader impacts on public health and national security.
President Donald Trump has called on Mexico to address the flow of untreated wastewater entering the United States, calling it a threat to nearby communities.
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Local leaders said the pollution has affected tourism and even military operations, including Navy SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.
Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano and Emma Colton contributed reporting.
