### Wastewater Treatment Plant in SAB to Operate Beyond Capacity Due to U.S. Plant Expansion Delay
The wastewater treatment plant at Punta Bandera is expected to operate beyond its designed capacity of 800 liters per second over the next two to three years due to delays in the expansion of a U.S.-based plant. The facility, which is over 60% reconstructed, is likely to be completed by the end of September.
According to the International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA) Act 328, the Punta Bandera plant was initially planned to reduce its capacity from 1,100 to 800 liters per second. This adjustment was part of an agreement where U.S. authorities committed to doubling the capacity of the International Wastewater Treatment Plant (PITAR) in San Ysidro, which treats 1,100 liters of wastewater from Tijuana per second. However, the PITAR expansion is now scheduled to begin no earlier than 2026.
José Díaz Verdugo, the technical director of the State Public Services Commission of Tijuana (CESPT), explained that the Punta Bandera plant will include two new modules, ensuring it meets strict 2021 environmental standards despite processing a higher volume of wastewater. “While the quality will not be identical, it will meet criteria that prevent environmental issues in creeks, the sea, or Tijuana’s beaches,” he said.
The Punta Bandera plant was designed to handle an excess of 50% over its intended capacity, meaning it can efficiently manage additional loads without significant issues. Tijuana produces between 3,300 and 3,400 liters of wastewater per second, treated across 18 CESPT-operated plants, including La Morita, Monte de los Olivos, Rosarito Norte, Rosarito Lagunas, and Punta Bandera.
The remaining plants are smaller, with capacities ranging from five to ten liters per second. Some, located in the Costa zone including Santa Fe, Maravillas, and Cedros, are expected to be decommissioned once the coastal collector system is operational. Additionally, Díaz Verdugo mentioned that two CESPT-operated pumping plants along the Tijuana River canal send significant amounts of wastewater to Punta Bandera.
CESPT Director Jesús García Castro noted that once the Punta Bandera plant and the coastal collector are operational, the infrastructure will handle nearly all excess wastewater from neighborhoods between Rosarito and Tijuana, reducing marine pollution by 90%. This will also help address international pollution issues since contaminated water affects U.S. coastal areas.
A study by the U.S. section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA) revealed that Tijuana River basin flows into U.S. waters reached a record level of 44,119 million gallons in 2023. By June of the current year, flows had already hit 33,000 million gallons, indicating an upward trend.
Díaz Verdugo attributed most cross-border discharges to treated water from the La Morita and Arturo Herrera plants, Tecate’s plant, which sends 300 liters per second into the Tijuana River basin, and treated water from companies like Samsung and Coca-Cola. Yet, the aging infrastructure, over 40 years old, needs upgrades to prevent leaks that exacerbate the situation.
Increased rainfall has also contributed to higher discharge flows into the Tijuana River basin, complicating waste management and pollution control further.
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### Secondary Article: U.S. Delays Impacting Mexican Treatment Plants
U.S. infrastructure delays significantly impact Tijuana’s wastewater management, forcing Mexican plants to handle excess loads. The delayed expansion of the International Wastewater Treatment Plant (PITAR) in San Ysidro means Mexican facilities like Punta Bandera must operate beyond their intended capacity. Originally, the U.S. had committed to expanding PITAR to manage increased volumes from Mexico, but construction is now deferred to 2026.
Environmental agencies express concern over prolonged waste treatment issues affecting both U.S. and Mexican coastlines. The collaboration between nations highlights the interdependent nature of environmental management and the urgent need for coordinated infrastructure improvements.
Local authorities stress the importance of adhering to updated environmental standards to minimize ecological impact, focusing on robust operational strategies for existing plants during the interim period before PITAR’s expansion is completed. The cooperation underscores the critical nature of international agreements in managing shared water resources effectively.