The Tijuana River Gates project builds collection pipes in Tijuana to capture sewage that now flows directly into the concrete river channel.
Why it matters
Sewage entering the river in Tijuana is what PB-CILA has to pull back out before the border, and in storms it crosses untreated. EPA says the project will keep at least 5 million gallons a day of sewage out of the river.
Where it stands (as of October 2026)
- Mexico started Phase 1 in September 2025 with state and federal funds. It was expected to finish by mid-July 2026. As of late September, 8 of its 11 segments were done.
- Phase 2, paid for with U.S. grant funds, began construction in September 2026, running alongside Phase 1. EPA now expects the project to finish in early 2027. In June it had said the end of January 2027.
- EPA released U.S. grant funds for the project after Mexico met its 2026 funding commitment.
Who's responsible
CESPT and Mexico's state and federal governments, with U.S. Border Water Infrastructure Program funds.
What to watch
The last three Phase 1 segments, and whether early 2027 holds.
Related
The map: problems in Tijuana's system. Project tracker.
Sources
- U.S. EPA, Tijuana River watershed public updates, quarterly updates from November 2025 to September 2026