(Image Credit: IMAGN) Lake Eva Park In Haines City Fl. Thursday August 25 ,2022 A million gallons of raw sewage has leaked into the lake.Ernst Peters/The Ledger 082522 Ep Eva 12 News
San Diego, California – San Diego County health officials have extended the closure of the Silver Strand Shoreline due to ongoing sewage contamination from the Tijuana River, raising renewed concerns about water safety along the region’s southern beaches.
The county Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) announced Sunday that the shoreline will remain closed “until sampling and field observations confirm these areas are safe for water contact.” The warning comes as millions of gallons of untreated sewage flow from the Tijuana River into the Pacific Ocean, fouling coastal waters and forcing public health alerts.
Health officials caution that any contact with contaminated ocean water may cause illness. The closure includes much of Silver Strand State Beach and areas stretching from the U.S.-Mexico border to the northern end of Imperial Beach. Authorities advise beachgoers to stay out of the water entirely in these locations.
In addition to the closures, several advisories remain in effect due to excessive bacteria levels. Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Mission Bay’s Ventura Cove, and La Jolla Children’s Pool are all under advisory status, meaning that while the beaches may remain open, contact with the water is discouraged as it may pose health risks.
Officials continue to monitor the situation through water sampling and field observations. Updates on closures and advisories are available at www.sdbeachinfo.com or via a 24-hour hotline at 619-338-2073.
The sewage crisis stems from cross-border wastewater issues that have long plagued the region. The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) reported that Mexico recently activated a pump station to help divert some sewage. This may ease the immediate volume entering the river and reaching U.S. beaches. Without such intervention, as many as 25 million gallons of wastewater could have been discharged daily into the Pacific Ocean.
The IBWC also noted that completed improvements to the International Collector have already kept over 600 million gallons of wastewater from reaching the Tijuana River. Plans are also in development for Phase 2 of a binational project to further divert wastewater to the Mexican coastline over six days.
Until contamination levels drop, county officials urge residents and tourists alike to avoid swimming, surfing, or engaging in any water contact in affected areas.
