Secure State Dept. Funding for the Intl. Boundary and Water Commission in FY27

Every year, billions of gallons of toxic pollution cross the U.S./Mexico border through the Tijuana Watershed bringing untreated sewage, industrial waste, and huge amounts of trash to beaches across south San Diego County and northern Baja California. These flows make beaches unsafe for public use, impair habitat and open space, and lead to multiple illnesses.  The southernmost beach in San Diego has been closed for over 1500 consecutive days and counting.  The results are detrimental to local economies and pose an enormous public health hazard on both sides of the border.  The pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color, making this an environmental justice issue.  

Surfrider has long been advocating for solutions to the pollution at the U.S./Mexico border though the San Diego Chapter's Clean Border Water Now campaign.  We're asking Congress to fund solutions and help fill the funding gap of over $500 million for the proposed Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution (CIS) - a binational project that would significantly reduce beach closures by 95% during the summer months and toxic transboundary flows by 75% year-round. 

We now ask  the Department of State to provide increased FY27 funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to cover construction, operations, and maintenance to address the existing public health crisis and prevent future infrastructure failures.  

We are hopeful that increasing the IBWC budget through the State Dept. can help in protecting clean water in the San Diego/Tijuana transboundary region for the enjoyment and health of all people.  

Visit the Clean Border Water Now page on the Surfrider Foundation San Diego's website to learn more information about the transboundary pollution crisis in the Tijuana River Watershed.