The Tijuana River Sewage Crisis Is Getting Worse

If you think this is just a beach problem, you’re already behind. The Tijuana River sewage disaster is now a full-blown public health crisis. What started as cross-border beach pollution has turned into airborne exposure, toxic groundwater seepage, and contaminated water entering homes throughout San Diego.

We’ve been sounding the alarm on this for a while — read our first blog about the growing Tijuana sewage threat here.

A “Fix” That Floods San Diego With More Sewage

Federal and state agencies are scrambling to repair collapsed infrastructure near the border — but the repair process itself will cause an uptick in sewage flowing into the U.S. (NBC San Diego). The project is expected to disrupt sewage interception and increase the amount of raw wastewater reaching the Tijuana River and Pacific Ocean.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan recently visited the region and stated that Mexico is not holding up its end of the binational agreement to manage the crisis (ENR). Meanwhile, the U.S. is pouring $300 million into repairs — but San Diego residents are still left exposed.

Tijuana River trash flowing toward the U.S. — a visual of what’s seeping into our homes.

What’s Flowing Into Our Region?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the contamination from the Tijuana River includes:

• Raw human sewage

• Fecal bacteria like E. coli and Enterococcus

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Industrial waste and heavy metals

• Pharmaceuticals and synthetic chemicals

• Microplastics and endocrine disruptors (CDC)

The CDC also warns that during high flows, these contaminants can become aerosolized, entering the air and affecting respiratory health — especially through hot water use and shower steam (CDC).

Untreated wastewater from broken border infrastructure. This is what the government admits is rising.

Tijuana Sewage Crisis by the Numbers

Tijuana Sewage Crisis by the Numbers:

• 35+ billion gallons spilled in the last 5 years (ENR)

• 500+ days of beach closures in some areas (Voice of San Diego)

• $300 million spent — with no clear solution (ENR)

• 1,700 sq. miles of cross-border contamination (CDC)

Water Scarcity and Toxic Overflow — a Double Threat

Here’s a disturbing contrast: San Diego has an abundance of water, while Tijuana faces extreme water scarcity (Voice of San Diego). When pipes break or pressure drops in areas like Tijuana, raw sewage is illegally dumped to prevent local flooding — pushing toxic water across the border and into our stormwater systems.

On the U.S. side, aging infrastructure is not equipped to handle the volume or toxicity. That means bacteria and pollutants can backflow into neighborhoods, beaches, and homes.

Don’t Assume You’re Safe Just Because You Don’t Live Near the Border

This crisis isn’t just hitting Imperial Beach or the South Bay. The Tijuana River watershed spans over 1,700 square miles and crosses into coastal and inland communities across San Diego County (CDC). Toxins travel by:

• Ocean currents

• Storm drains

• Wind-blown aerosols

• Local groundwater seepage

And according to ENR, this isn’t a seasonal event anymore — it’s year-round.

You Shouldn’t Have to Wait for the Government to Protect Your Family

The response so far has been slow, underfunded, and politically delayed. And now, solutions are making things worse before they make them better (NBC San Diego). In the meantime, your water, air, and household surfaces are at risk.

Filtercon’s Whole House Filtration Systems are built for today’s real-world water threats. Unlike simple faucet filters or pitcher systems, our products:

• Block bacteria, viruses, and pathogens

• Neutralize VOCs, chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals

• Filter microplastics, PFAS (forever chemicals), and pharmaceuticals

• Stop contaminants from entering your air via steam and vapor

• Require no salt, chemicals, or maintenance subscriptions

Pitcher filters can't protect your air. Under-sink filters miss 90% of the water in your home.
Only whole-home systems like Filtercon cover your shower, laundry, faucets — and your lungs.

These systems are engineered in the U.S., and backed by over 30 years of clean water expertise.

Why Filtercon Is the Best Water Filter for California Homes

When it comes to protecting your family from the contaminated water health risks tied to sewage spills, airborne toxins, and chemical runoff, not all filters are created equal.

Filtercon’s systems are built specifically for California homes, where droughts, infrastructure issues, and pollution threats make clean water harder to guarantee. Whether you live near the coast or inland, the water coming into your home can carry bacteria, viruses, chlorine byproducts, and PFAS — even if it “passes” local testing.

Unlike basic pitchers or single-tap filters, our home water filtration systems in San Diego treat every drop of water entering your house — from the kitchen faucet to your shower, laundry, and air vapor.

We offer powerful, low-maintenance water purification systems for home use that:

• Require no salt, chemicals, or chlorine

• Use advanced U.S.-made filtration media

• Are effective against PFAS, VOCs, microplastics, and sewage-borne bacteria

• Help reduce respiratory and skin issues caused by poor water quality

Our systems are 100% chemical-free water filters — no additives, no gimmicks, just clean water.

If you’re looking for the best water filter for California homes, Filtercon delivers protection where it matters most: your home, your health, and your future.

Clean filtered water — what every home in San Diego should have with a whole-house system.

Take Action Now — Before the Next Contamination Spike

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