Imperial Beach leaders want the federal government to take stronger action in the ongoing Tijuana sewage crisis by accelerating its construction projects and pressuring Mexico with punitive action, if necessary. That pressure could include limiting border crossings and sales of potable water to Tijuana during county-declared public health threats. … Imperial Beach’s resolution asks Congress to expedite the rehabilitation and expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP), a $600 million project overseen by the US International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). It also suggests the federal government take punitive action against Mexico, if necessary. It notes that 90 percent of Tijuana’s imported water comes from the Colorado River, underscoring the city’s dependence on its 1944 United States-Mexico Water Treaty, and says Mexico has shown “persistent noncompliance” in the treaty terms, causing the ongoing wastewater pollution. 

Other U.S.-Mexico water news:

• CBS8 (San Diego): Repair project may temporarily increase Tijuana Valley sewage flow
• Times of San Diego: Residents: Prepare for stronger odors as cross-border wastewater work begins
• Times of San Diego: Opinion: U.S and Mexico must collaborate to manage water supply amid climate change
• Fox News: US one step closer to ‘100%’ deal with Mexico ending decades-long sewage crisis gripping vacation hotspot: EPA