Pump Station 1, known as PB-1, is the main pump station that moves Tijuana's sewage, along with water PB-CILA pulls from the river, toward the coastal treatment plant at Punta Bandera.
Why it matters
When PB-1 falls short or fails, sewage backs up and spills into the river or gets pushed to the South Bay plant, overwhelming it. EPA says the rebuild will eliminate the risk of catastrophic discharges from the station and raise total pumping capacity to 80 million gallons a day.
Where it stands (as of October 2026)
- Mexico began construction on April 27, 2026, after EPA released grant funds in recognition of Mexico meeting its commitments under the 2025 agreement.
- Completion is expected in November 2027. Timelines were shortened by about nine months under the 2025 agreement.
- In September 2026 EPA said the work was re-ordered to put urgent repairs to the Antiguo Force Main first. That is a 14,000-foot pipe whose full replacement is due in 2027. EPA still expects PB-1 to finish in November 2027.
- Backup power for PB-1 was also on Mexico's 2026 project list.
Funding
U.S. Border Water Infrastructure Program funds, released by EPA, plus Mexican state and federal funds.
Who's responsible
CESPT, the Baja California state water utility, with Mexico's federal water agency. EPA and the North American Development Bank oversee the U.S. grant.
What to watch
Construction progress in EPA's quarterly updates, and whether the November 2027 date holds.
Related
The map: Pump Station 1. Who's responsible.
Sources
- U.S. EPA, Tijuana River watershed public updates, quarterly updates from November 2025 to September 2026