Emergency repairs on a major cross-border wastewater pipeline in Tijuana have been completed after a leak late Thursday increased sewage flows into the South Bay wastewater treatment system.
Mexican water authorities released photos Friday showing crews repairing leaks in the Parallel Gravity Line, a massive pipeline that carries wastewater through Tijuana before it is treated near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The leak raised concerns in communities already burdened by decades of sewage spills and pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.
At the entrance to the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, Saturday, Abigail Castillo continued serving fresh fruit cups from her weekend pop-up stand while hoping conditions would improve.
When asked about the persistent odor from sewage pollution, Castillo said in Spanish that she sometimes has to leave the area and find someplace else that is a little bit better.
M.G. PerezM.G. Perez
Abigal Castillo prepares one of her fresh fruit cups to sell at the entrance of the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, May 16, 2026.
The latest repairs come as residents continue dealing with foul odors and environmental impacts linked to sewage overflows through the river valley and into the Pacific Ocean.
Data from the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District showed hydrogen sulfide levels spiking multiple times last week, including on Monday and Wednesday before the latest pipeline leak was discovered.
Nearby in Imperial Beach, volunteers with a Surfrider cleanup effort spent part of their day collecting trash and debris washed ashore during sewage flows from Mexico.
“I just feel like if we don’t come out and help the community, I feel it will just get worse,” said beach cleanup volunteer Esther Goodloe.
“We, as the younger generation, we like to come out and enjoy the views and enjoy the beach,” volunteer Viviana Vasquez said. “But unfortunately we just can’t do that if we have those problems.”
M.G. PerezM.G. Perez
Volunteers with the Surfrider Foundation pickup trash and debris, Saturday, on Imperial Beach, May 16, 2026.
A representative with the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) said Saturday, all pumps tied to the wastewater system are now back online and sewage is once again moving through the treatment process.
The repairs bring temporary relief to the larger sewage crisis that remains unresolved.