Numerous beaches in San Diego have been closed following a disturbing discovery of high bacteria levels in the water due to sewage contamination. Health officials issued closures for Silver Strand Shoreline, Imperial Beach Shorelines, and Tijuana Slough Shoreline, all near the U.S.-Mexico border. Advisories were also put in place for La Jolla, Children’s Pool, Coronado, Ocean Beach, Dog Beach, and several other locations.
Imperial Beach, identified as the dirtiest in the nation, now features prominent yellow warning signs as sewage from Tijuana, Mexico, pollutes its waters. During a press conference, Dr. Marvel Harrison highlighted the severe stress and health concerns faced by residents, including the impact on children.
Mayor Paloma Aguirre and County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer expressed their intention to seek state and federal funds to address the longstanding sewage issue, calling for a state of emergency declaration. They emphasized the community’s right to clean air and water.
The Surfrider Foundation’s testing revealed that every water sample from Imperial Beach exceeded health standards for recreational waters. The foundation found that 64% of 567 sites nationwide had unsafe bacteria levels, with three of the ten most polluted beaches located in California, including Imperial Beach, Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, and the mouth of San Luis Obispo Creek.
Imperial Beach has faced over two years of closures due to untreated water from the Tijuana River Watershed. Mayor Aguirre stressed the urgent need for action, noting that local residents are frequently falling ill. Resident Shannon Johnson shared her frustration, stating that her family avoids the beach due to pollution concerns, and her children are exposed to the smell at school.
A San Diego State University study found that toxic substances in the water are also contaminating the air and soil. Residents reported severe smells disrupting their lives, likening it to being trapped in a portable toilet.
To assist residents, the San Diego Beach and Bay Program has created a chart indicating warning levels at local beaches. Signage in black and yellow indicates sewage advisories, blue and orange denote warnings, and bright yellow and red signify beach closures due to sewage problems.
