Full Breakdown
U.S.-Mexico Agreements Address Tijuana Sewage Crisis and Water Deliveries
12/16/2025, 1:24:19 AM
New Framework for Tijuana Sewage Crisis
The United States and Mexico have formalized a new agreement, known as Minute 333, to address the ongoing sewage crisis affecting the Tijuana River and surrounding areas. The agreement outlines specific commitments from Mexico, including the expansion of the San Antonio de los Buenos (SAB) Wastewater Treatment Plant from 18 million gallons per day (MGD) to 43 MGD, and the construction of a new 3 MGD Tecolote-La Gloria Wastewater Treatment Plant by December 2028. Additionally, Mexico is tasked with preparing a Tijuana water infrastructure master plan within six months to align wastewater capacity with projected population growth.
David Fotouhi, deputy administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emphasized that while the agreement sets a framework for progress, it acknowledges that the crisis will not be resolved immediately. “To be crystal clear, this human health and ecological crisis will not end solely with the swipe of a pen,” Fotouhi stated. The U.S. will participate in an interagency “Minute 333 Work Group” to oversee the implementation of these commitments.
U.S. Infrastructure Enhancements
The U.S. is currently rehabilitating and expanding its South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP), increasing its capacity from 25 MGD to 50 MGD, with a peak capacity of 75 MGD. This expansion was fast-tracked following a 100-day review of existing projects under the previous Minute 328 agreement. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin noted that these efforts are crucial to achieving a “100% solution” to the sewage crisis, particularly in light of Tijuana's rapid population growth.
Criticism and Local Impact
Despite the progress outlined in Minute 333, local residents express frustration over the ongoing health impacts of the sewage crisis. Reports indicate that untreated sewage has led to significant air quality issues, with residents in Imperial Beach experiencing health problems such as asthma attacks linked to pollution from the Tijuana River. Community members have called for more immediate and effective solutions, expressing skepticism about the adequacy of current measures.
Avery Korkorowitz, an Imperial Beach resident, described her experience with severe asthma attacks attributed to the polluted air, stating, “It’s like living next to an open sewer every day.” Local officials have held meetings to discuss the crisis, but many residents feel that the responses have been insufficient.
Water Delivery Agreement
In a separate but related development, the U.S. and Mexico have reached an agreement regarding water deliveries under the 1944 Water Treaty. Mexico plans to deliver over 202,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. starting December 15, 2025, following a dispute over water obligations. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that these deliveries would not compromise domestic water supplies, stating, “We aren’t giving water that we don’t have.”
The agreement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican imports if water obligations were not met. The two countries are working to finalize a broader plan for outstanding deliveries by January 31, 2026.
Conclusion
The agreements reached between the U.S. and Mexico represent significant steps toward addressing the Tijuana sewage crisis and water delivery obligations. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on timely implementation and the ability to meet the growing demands of the region's population, as well as addressing the immediate health concerns of affected communities.
