San Diego's South County residents are currently grappling with an increased stench of sewage as the Tijuana River Valley faces troubling levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), primarily during nighttime hours. The hikes in H2S, a gas known for its pungent, rotten-egg odor, have been recorded by the Air Pollution Control District's (APCD) specialized analyzer network. Contributing to the odor issue are recent reports from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), indicating that sewage infrastructure work in Mexico has resulted in up to 5 million gallons per night of sewage being released into the valley, according to the County of San Diego.
The ongoing wastewater flow into the area is compounding the problem, with rogue sewage releases under investigation by the IBWC and its partners in Mexico. In response to the increased odor associated with these inflows, County Public Health experts have advised residents to take precautionary steps. These steps include limiting outdoor activities when odors are bothersome, keeping their indoors closed, and increasing air circulation inside with fans. Moreover, free air purifiers, which APCD offers, remain available to those in the three principally affected ZIP codes.
The health implications of odor exposure are especially concerning for vulnerable populations. "People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other chronic lung conditions should have emergency medications such as rescue inhalers readily available," the County of San Diego relays guidance from public health experts. The county urges those who experience persistent, worrisome, or worsening symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
