San Diego City Wire

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has completed its first federal health survey in San Diego County, focusing on the effects of sewage contamination from the Tijuana River. The Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey was conducted in October 2024 in the South Bay and Nestor communities.

Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County Interim Public Health Officer, expressed gratitude to participants and emphasized the importance of the findings: “These results validate the concerns residents of the South Bay have been voicing and the real impacts the sewage contamination is having on people’s lives, physical and mental health."

The survey involved interviews with 189 households out of 480 visited. The assessment covered experiences related to sewage contamination, health symptoms, air and water quality concerns, information sources, and resource needs.

Key findings indicate that 67 percent of households use bottled or alternative water sources due to safety concerns. Additionally, 71 percent do not trust tap water safety. Information about these issues is primarily obtained from the County health department, followed by friends, family, doctors, and social media.

The County plans to collaborate with various agencies to address air and water issues linked to this crisis. Another federal survey called ACE (Assessment of Chemical Exposure) was also completed in November 2024. It surveyed over 2,000 residents about living near sewage-contaminated areas.

An additional assessment will focus on hydrogen sulfide monitoring in response to requests from local congressional delegations. This study could take up to two years.

For more information on health impacts from pollution in the Tijuana River Valley or details about CASPER findings, visit sandiegocounty.gov/southregionhealth. Mental health support is available through San Diego Access Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 or by dialing 988.