Tijuana River Watershed - Working with Mexico

Binational engagement is critical to ensure that the EPA is coordinating with Mexico to advance a lasting solution that will address the chronic transboundary wastewater flows.

Statement of Intent and Minute 328

In July 2022, U.S. and Mexican federal agencies signed two binational agreements, the Statement of Intent (pdf) (2.36 MB) and Minute 328 (pdf) (387.58 KB), as a commitment to reduce transboundary wastewater in the Tijuana River watershed and Pacific Ocean through a suite of infrastructure projects on both sides of the border. The agreements include prioritized short- and long-term wastewater infrastructure projects and outline funding sources and a conceptual plan for implementation. These agreements outline sanitation projects to be constructed in San Diego and Tijuana using $330 million dollars from the U.S. government and $144 million dollars from the Mexican government. See a summary of the Statement of Intent and Minute 328 (pdf) (230.03 KB).

Refer to the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission project map for more information about the location and status of each project in the Statement of Intent and Minute 328.

Continued Collaboration with Mexico  

• The EPA continues to work closely with all levels of Mexico’s government to prioritize, fund, and implement important wastewater infrastructure projects. The binational working group meets monthly to coordinate technical details of project development and implementation. Working group members include:
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA)
  • US Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC)
  • Mexican Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA)
  • Secretariat for the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT)
  • Secretariat for the Management, Sanitation and Protection of Water of the state of Baja California (SEPROA)
  • Tijuana State Public Services Commission (CESPT)
  • North American Development Bank (NADB)
     
• Additionally, periodic engagement at the highest government levels is also a priority, below are several highlights:
  • Mexico and U.S. Affirm Their Commitment to the Implementation of the Comprehensive Sanitation Program (August 7, 2023)
    • English
    • Español
  • EPA and USIBWC Join Mexico in Announcing Funding for Infrastructure Projects to Address Transborder Sewage (May 4, 2023)
  • Statement of Intent (SOI) and Treaty Minute 328 announced (August 18, 2022)
  • Mexico Binational Meeting on Transborder Water Pollution (November 22, 2002)
    • English
    • Español