CDC, San Diego County Plan New Survey On Tijuana River Pollution Health Impacts

SAN DIEGO, CA — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will begin a second assessment with the county this month to re-evaluate health impacts arising from Tijuana River pollution.

According to the county, the new survey, conducted Sept. 17-19, will revisit conditions first documented in 2024 and gather updated information from a new sample of representative households. County and CDC teams will again walk neighborhoods in the Tijuana River Valley to hear directly from residents, visiting randomly selected households Sept. 17 and Sept. 18 between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The follow-up assessment is intended to help identify continued health concerns, changes since 2024, and additional support needed for families living with the impacts of sewage contamination.

"We can't fully understand or solve the Tijuana River pollution crisis without hearing directly from our South Bay residents living with its impacts every single day," San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Pro Tempore Paloma Aguirre said. "Our neighbors' experiences and stories provide critical insight and information that will help guide the county of San Diego and our federal partners in tackling the sewage pollution. South San Diego's health and experiences matter, and I encourage every neighbor to make their voice heard by participating in the (Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response) survey."

The initial survey was conducted in November 2024 and the results made public in July 2025. In it, 2,099 residents from near the International Border told surveyors they remained concerned about air quality, drinking water and health outcomes.

A total of 67% of those surveyed said they do not believe the area is safe to visit, work or live in. Of those who filled out questionnaires for a separate, county-led Assessment of Chemical Exposures survey, 97% said they were concerned about air quality.

A total of 80% said they have made many or some lifestyle changes due to the sewage and taken steps to avoid the area.

Other findings include:

-- 70% using bottled water for drinking water and only 21% drinking tap water.

-- 64% of those surveyed reported at least one new or worsening physical health symptom they attributed to the sewage crisis in the past 30 days, with headaches, runny nose, congestion and coughing the most common.

-- More than 60% of parents answering for children said their child had missed preschool or school due to symptoms they believe are related to the sewage crisis.

Survey interviews take around 20 minutes, participation is voluntary and anonymous, and interviewers are clearly identified with badges, reflective vest and include bilingual English-Spanish staff, according to a statement from the county.

"Hearing from a new sample of representative families will help us continue to validate and respond to the community's experiences," said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, the county's public health officer. "By comparing this assessment to the one from 2024, we can better identify what is working and what more needs to be done to support our South Bay neighbors."

— City News Service