The Tijuana River Sewage Crisis Is Hitting Closer to Home Than You Think
The Tijuana Sewage Crisis: A Growing Threat to San Diego’s Water and Public Health
San Diego is facing a water contamination crisis that’s putting both public health and national security at risk. More than 31 billion gallons of raw sewage and toxic runoff from Mexico’s Tijuana River have crossed into Southern California just since last year flowing into our ocean, soaking into the soil, and creeping toward the pipes in our homes (The Center Square).
And now, even America’s elite warriors—are paying the price.
Navy SEAL candidates in full gear train in the surf off Coronado Beach during "Hell Week," one of the most physically demanding parts of BUD/S. The image reflects the intensity of SEAL training and growing concerns over trainee safety, following recent illnesses linked to polluted waters and the 2022 death of a candidate that led to leadership changes at the Naval Special Warfare Center.
Navy SEALs Getting Sick in San Diego’s Waters
The Naval Amphibious Base Coronado is one of the most important training sites in the world. It’s where SEAL candidates push through the famously brutal “Hell Week,” enduring freezing surf, extreme physical trials, and mental exhaustion.
But in recent years, they’ve faced another challenge: toxic, sewage-contaminated water.
Between January 2019 and May 2023, the Naval Special Warfare Center recorded 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illness among SEAL candidates—most of them tied to exposure to contaminated waters during training
(ABC 10 News).
These illnesses include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. Candidates have even required IV fluids after accidentally swallowing sewage-contaminated water during underwater drills.
A Pentagon report found that 76% of water samples taken during training periods exceeded state bacterial standards—but the Navy only relocated training in 12 out of 265 sessions
(Military.com).
One SEAL candidate told reporters:
“We’re out there risking our lives and now we’re getting sick because of sewage. This shouldn’t be happening on American soil.”
Several Navy SEALs have submitted disability claims citing the Tijuana sewage crisis in the South Bay, as Dan Plante reports.
Not Just the Military — It’s All of Us
SEALs aren’t the only ones being exposed. The same beaches and ocean waters used for military training are where families swim, children play, and locals fish.
Beach closures in Imperial Beach, Coronado, and parts of Chula Vista are now routine. The smell? Often unbearable. The risks? Airborne bacteria, contaminated soil, and polluted runoff.
Border Patrol agents assigned near the Tijuana River report respiratory issues, skin infections, and ongoing symptoms from exposure to the toxic environment
(ABC 10 News).
What’s in This Water?
Raw human sewage
Trash and stormwater
Bacteria and parasites
PFAS ("forever chemicals")
Pharmaceutical residue
Microplastics
And once this stuff enters our environment, it doesn’t stay put. It can leach into the ground, enter our homes through pipes, and make it into your tap water.
Why Isn’t It Fixed Yet?
The International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego is overwhelmed. Tijuana’s infrastructure is collapsing. And while the EPA is finally paying attention, real help is still far off.
During a recent visit to San Diego, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin acknowledged the situation and committed to stepping up federal efforts. He also discussed the possibility of designating the Tijuana River Valley as a Superfund site, unlocking resources for cleanup
(Fox News).
But those processes take years, and in the meantime, billions more gallons are flowing in.
What You Can Do Today
You can’t stop what’s happening at the border, but you can take control of what’s flowing through your own pipes.
At Filtercon, we specialize in whole house water filtration systems built to protect San Diego homes from the stuff the city can’t filter out:
✔️ Removes PFAS, bacteria, and heavy metals
✔️ Filters out pharmaceuticals and microplastics
✔️ Eco-friendly and American-made
✔️ Maintenance-free systems that last
We’ve served San Diego since 1995. If you want cleaner, healthier water, we’re here to help.
👉 Get a Free Quote Today
📞 Or Call Us: (619) 688-1810
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