Some of California's most affluent coastal communities are grappling with a persistent sewage crisis, forcing beaches to remain closed for extended periods. In Coronado, a ritzy beach town near San Diego, visitors are met with bright yellow warning signs stating that water contact may cause illness, as untreated wastewater from Mexico continues to pollute the shoreline.
The Source of Contamination
The contamination primarily originates from the Tijuana River, which carries untreated sewage from Tijuana, Mexico, into the Pacific Ocean. Ocean currents then push the polluted water northward along the beaches of southern San Diego County, including Coronado. According to the Wall Street Journal, up to 30 million gallons of sewage-tainted water enter the ocean daily, overwhelming local efforts to maintain safe conditions. Since 2018, more than 10 billion gallons of raw sewage have flowed into the Tijuana River, as reported by the International Boundary and Water Commission.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
Residents have expressed deep frustration over the deteriorating conditions. Whitney David, a retired surgeon and avid surfer, described the area as a "paradise lost," citing floating trash and human waste in the water. He ultimately relocated from Coronado due to the ongoing problem. The issue has persisted for years, driven by Tijuana's inability to keep pace with rapid population growth and its aging wastewater infrastructure. When storms hit or systems fail, untreated sewage regularly spills into the river and flows northward into U.S. waters.
Nearby Imperial Beach, located closer to the border, has experienced even more severe conditions, with officials distributing thousands of air purifiers to protect residents from toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas is linked to serious health effects, including asthma attacks, headaches, and life-threatening exposure in extreme cases. In 2025 alone, Coronado faced water access restrictions for over 129 days, including during peak tourist season.
Economic Toll and Blame Game
Local businesses are suffering as the contamination deters visitors. Sam Frederick, owner of Little Sam's Island & Beach Fun, which rents boogie boards and water toys, lamented, "I'm getting my ass kicked, man." Ryan Wamhoff, who runs the Coronado Surfing Academy, noted that he typically has up to 28 students in the water but had none during his interview with the Wall Street Journal. "My entire business is based upon this beach right here. It's insanely frustrating," he said.
Residents blame both Mexico for the sewage overflows and the U.S. for not acting quickly enough to address the underlying infrastructure problems. Congress has approved over $300 million in funding, but Environmental Protection Agency officials estimate that it could take about $1 billion and roughly two years to fix the issue once repairs begin. The Independent has contacted the EPA for comment.
Health Risks and Ongoing Closures
The beach closures are not merely an inconvenience but a public health necessity. Entering the water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and respiratory problems. Larry Delrose, entertainment director at the Coronado Shores condo community, described the smell as akin to a sewer. While the closures frustrate locals and tourists alike, the risks of ignoring the contamination are significant.
As the summer season approaches, the prospect of prolonged closures looms large, threatening both the local economy and the cherished coastal lifestyle. The crisis underscores the urgent need for binational cooperation and substantial investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure on both sides of the border.
