U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission

The official X Account for the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC). 

Following, Reposts, and Likes ≠ endorsement.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: #USIBWC received further details regarding the New River spill which began on Monday, September 28. The details are as follows:

Start: September 28, 2026 – 2 AM
End: September 29, 2026 – 8 AM
Duration: 30 hours
Flow rate: Variable
Total volume: 28.622 million gallons (108,344.52 m³)
Wastewater: 8.586 million gallons (32,503.36 m³)
Stormwater: 20.035 million gallons (75,841.16 m³)

@EPAregion9 @cilamexico @RepRaulRuizMD @ImperialCntyCA @CaWaterBoards

https://t.co/nq283ZLsAT

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: The #USIBWC reports the following on increased flows to the New River from Mexicali:

Due to widespread rains that have been falling in Mexicali since yesterday, the State Commission on Public Services of Mexicali (CESPM) is discharging stormwater into the New River at several points.

These discharges, which contain raw sewage, started at 2 a.m. PDT today.

The discharge points are Drain 134, Quintana Roo Bridge, PBAR 2, PBAR 4, Hidalgo Pumping Stations, Esperanza Agricola, and Aurora.

USIBWC is working closely with Mexican water authorities and will share more information as it becomes available.

@EPAregion9 @cilamexico @RepRaulRuizMD @ImperialCntyCA @CaWaterBoards

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: The #USIBWC reports the following on our response to weather conditions in the El Paso, Texas, area:

- USIBWC personnel are in contact with City of El Paso officials at the Emergency Operations Center and monitoring river flows. We have been monitoring conditions, coordinating with National Weather Service @NWS with 24-hour coverage beginning on September 30, 2026. Staff from the Upper Rio Grande Flood Control Project are conducting levee patrols, coordinating with partners and stakeholders, and providing regular field condition reports.

The Upper Rio Grande Flood Control Project is functioning as designed:
•Peak flows successfully passed through the American Dam and International Dam early this morning.
•No levee breaches along the Rio Grande have been reported.
•Field inspections and assessments of the levee system are ongoing to identify any necessary repairs.

- USIBWC field offices in Amistad, Falcon and the Lower Rio Grande Valley are on standby to respond, if necessary.

Please check @NWSWGRFC and local agencies for the latest river information and weather conditions.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

The latest update is out on #USIBWC and @EPA moving closer to achieving a permanent 100% solution to the Tijuana River pollution crisis. Besides accelerating the expansion of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant and holding Mexico accountable for preventing cross-border sewage flows, #USIBWC has been busy coordinating preparations for El Niño. Get all the details here: https://t.co/v1qXZ6cE3N

[National Weather Service @NWS]

Pacific tropical moisture wrapping into a storm over the southwest U.S. will continue a multi-day heavy rainfall event this week that will extend into the Midwest and southern Plains. Considerable flash flooding is possible across portions of New Mexico and west Texas today through Wednesday. Visit https://t.co/qk3BcVP5M8 for more.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Update: All remaining Mexicali discharges were closed today.

https://t.co/rlRLiEKwq6

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: The #USIBWC reports the following on increased flows to the New River from Mexicali:

Due to widespread rains that have been falling in Mexicali since yesterday, the State Commission on Public Services of Mexicali (CESPM) is discharging stormwater into the New River at several points.

These discharges, which contain raw sewage, started at 2 a.m. PDT today.

The discharge points are Drain 134, Quintana Roo Bridge, PBAR 2, PBAR 4, Hidalgo Pumping Stations, Esperanza Agricola, and Aurora.

USIBWC is working closely with Mexican water authorities and will share more information as it becomes available.

@EPAregion9 @cilamexico @RepRaulRuizMD @ImperialCntyCA @CaWaterBoards

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Update: PBCILA was reactivated yesterday at 2:00pm.

https://t.co/VfpiGTWOyI

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

#USIBWC reports the following regarding the Tijuana River pollution crisis:

#SanDiego residents along the US-Mexico border may notice increased flows in the Tijuana River due to Mexico shutting down PBCILA pump station temporarily due to heavy rainfall.

The significant increase in river flows forced PBCILA to suspend operations last night, as part of its standard operating procedure.

Once flows decrease enough to allow safe access and the cleaning of the PBCILA inlet, PBCILA will be reactivated.

PBCILA, which pumps polluted water out of the Tijuana River, is a key part of Tijuana's sewage system.

USIBWC is in close contact with @cilamexico and Tijuana officials to make sure PBCILA is restarted as soon as possible.

The South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating normally.

@CaWaterBoards @EPA @EPAregion9

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

#USIBWC reports the following regarding the Tijuana River pollution crisis:

#SanDiego residents along the US-Mexico border may notice increased flows in the Tijuana River due to Mexico shutting down PBCILA pump station temporarily due to heavy rainfall.

The significant increase in river flows forced PBCILA to suspend operations last night, as part of its standard operating procedure.

Once flows decrease enough to allow safe access and the cleaning of the PBCILA inlet, PBCILA will be reactivated.

PBCILA, which pumps polluted water out of the Tijuana River, is a key part of Tijuana's sewage system.

USIBWC is in close contact with @cilamexico and Tijuana officials to make sure PBCILA is restarted as soon as possible.

The South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating normally.

@CaWaterBoards @EPA @EPAregion9

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: The #USIBWC reports the following on increased flows to the New River from Mexicali:

Due to widespread rains that have been falling in Mexicali since yesterday, the State Commission on Public Services of Mexicali (CESPM) is discharging stormwater into the New River at several points.

These discharges, which contain raw sewage, started at 2 a.m. PDT today.

The discharge points are Drain 134, Quintana Roo Bridge, PBAR 2, PBAR 4, Hidalgo Pumping Stations, Esperanza Agricola, and Aurora.

USIBWC is working closely with Mexican water authorities and will share more information as it becomes available.

@EPAregion9 @cilamexico @RepRaulRuizMD @ImperialCntyCA @CaWaterBoards

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

From #MercedesTX, to #SanDiegoCA, #USIBWCcrews traveled more than 1,500 miles with heavy equipment to complete critical maintenance in the Tijuana River Channel.

What’s been done?

Maintaining approximately 16,622 feet of embankment

Removing vegetation and mowing approximately 160 acres of floodplain.

Using approximately 10,000 cubic yards of fill to address erosion and reshape embankments.

Restoring approximately 1,600 feet of berm

Clearing a nearby hydraulic station area and improving the access road to the Tijuana River channel.

Under the leadership of @USIBWCCMcIntosh, USIBWC remains committed to protecting American communities from Mexican sewage flows, securing the United States’ rightful share of water, and ensuring critical border infrastructure remains reliable and operational.

[UArizona Water Resources Research Center @AZWRRC]

IN THIS ISSUE: TAAP Study, Minute 334, APW @AZProjectWET, ABWC.
The US and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc have published a Binational Study of the Transboundary Santa Cruz Aquifer

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Recently, the USIBWC was proud to host @CoronadoNavy at the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The #USIBWC gave @USN staff & senior officers a firsthand look at this key facility and explored ways we can work together to achieve a permanent solution to the Tijuana River pollution crisis.

Under the Trump Administration, USIBWC is making improvements at the plant and advancing the design of a major expansion to increase treatment capacity and better protect communities in the San Diego - Tijuana border region.

The #USIBWC, led by @USIBWCCMcIntosh, is working with @EPA every day to protect Americans from exposure to Mexican sewage.

Thank you to Naval Base Coronado for your service and partnership.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Update: Repairs to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant’s (SBIWTP) advanced primary chemical treatment system have been completed, and the plant is ready to resume treating up to 35 million gallons per day (MGD).

#USIBWC has notified @cilamexico. The Tijuana State Public Services Commission is expected to begin gradually increasing flows to the SBIWTP.

USIBWC will monitor operations throughout the increase and provide additional updates as needed.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Due to needed repairs to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant's advanced primary chemical treatment system, #USIBWC has requested @cilamexico and the Tijuana State Public Services Commission to temporarily reduce flow to the plant from 35 million gallons a day (MGD) to 25 MGD. 

The repairs are expected to be completed by the weekend. The plant will treat up to 25 MGD and continue to operate as normally. 

Without the advanced primary chemical treatment system operating properly, the plant cannot treat 35 MGD and still meet permit requirements. 

In the meantime, San Diego residents may notice increased flows in the Tijuana River. 

#USIBWC is expediting the repairs to minimize the impact on the public and will send a notification when the work is complete and treatment of up to 35 MGD resumes.

[Consulado EU Juárez @USCGCdJuarez]

🌊🇺🇸🇲🇽 ¡Los ríos también nos conectan!

El Espacio Americano en @La_Rodadora arrancó “Conexión Binacional”, una nueva serie mensual para conversar sobre los temas que unen a nuestras comunidades a ambos lados de la frontera.

En nuestra primera edición, “Donde los ríos nos conectan”, expertos de la @usibwc, Mark Howe y Rita F. Crites, compartieron la historia de la cooperación entre Estados Unidos y México en materia de agua y los esfuerzos actuales para conservar el Río Bravo, junto con sus contrapartes de la @cilamexico. 💧🌱

La cooperación binacional se traduce en acciones concretas para nuestras comunidades fronterizas.
Porque detrás de cada río hay historia, recursos compartidos y trabajo conjunto para enfrentar retos comunes. 🇺🇸🤝🇲🇽

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Due to needed repairs to the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant's advanced primary chemical treatment system, #USIBWC has requested @cilamexico and the Tijuana State Public Services Commission to temporarily reduce flow to the plant from 35 million gallons a day (MGD) to 25 MGD. 

The repairs are expected to be completed by the weekend. The plant will treat up to 25 MGD and continue to operate as normally. 

Without the advanced primary chemical treatment system operating properly, the plant cannot treat 35 MGD and still meet permit requirements. 

In the meantime, San Diego residents may notice increased flows in the Tijuana River. 

#USIBWC is expediting the repairs to minimize the impact on the public and will send a notification when the work is complete and treatment of up to 35 MGD resumes.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

George Etheridge V has been named Attorney-Advisor to USIBWC Commissioner Chad McIntosh.

Read the full press release:
https://t.co/Fly72pPBh6

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

The U.S. and Mexican Sections of the International Boundary and Water Commission, led by Commissioners @USIBWCCMcIntosh and @Adriaresendez, have signed Minute 334, establishing Colorado River cooperative measures for 2027–28.

The agreement provides for shared reductions during record low hydrologic conditions, salinity and environmental measures, Mexico’s Water Reserve, and continued work on new water sources and desalination.

Thank you to @usbr, @Interior, and our Mexican counterparts @Cilamexico and @conagua_mx for their collaboration.

Read the full press release: https://t.co/IEmr9nA2na

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

The 2026–2027 #USIBWC game bird hunting maps are now available for the #HudspethCounty Texas and Southern #NewMexico region!

Before you go, be sure to review the updated guidance and be aware some USIBWC land in Texas previously accessible to the public has been transferred to @USArmy for the establishment of a National Defense Area (NDA), where no hunting or trespassing is allowed.

Learn more about the NDA: https://t.co/sq82a5Sve4

For USIBWC hunting information, visit: https://t.co/Z7VxY10OCh

Happy & safe hunting!

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: The #USIBWC reports the following on increased flows to the New River from Mexicali:

@CILAMexico reports that, as of 9:00 a.m. PDT Aug 19, the release of untreated wastewater into the New River, caused by a collapsed sewer line at Esperanza Agrícola pumping station, has stopped.

CESPM (State Commission on Public Services of Mexicali) has implemented a temporary bypass pump to prevent further discharges into the New River while repairs are underway.

The discharge lasted approximately six days, with an average flow of 0.34 million gallons per day, for an estimated total of 2.05 million gallons of untreated wastewater into New River.

The USIBWC continues working with its Mexican counterparts toward a 100% solution to transboundary sewage flows into the United States.

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

UPDATE: The #USIBWCreports the following on increased flows to the New River from Mexicali.

@cespmbc (Mexican State Commission on Public Services of Mexicali) reports that after the heavy rains on August 12, a follow‑up inspection on August 13 found a spill in the Mexicali Sanitation System connected to the pipeline that serves the Esperanza Agrícola Pumping Station.

The spill is currently flowing into the New River.

During the inspection, crews also found a collapsed manhole that feeds into the same pumping station.

The spill is releasing an estimated 0.342 million gallons per day into the New River, and the total amount continues to rise while repairs to the collector line are planned and carried out.

USIBWC Commissioner @USIBWCCMcIntosh continues working closely with CILA Commissioner Reséndez to reduce these transboundary flows to zero. USIBWC area leadership also remains engaged with Mexican water authorities to stop these discharges and support long‑term solutions.

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

[Bureau of Reclamation @usbr]

For the past 26 years, the Colorado River Basin has been experiencing an unprecedented multidecadal drought, resulting in historically low runoff and reservoir levels. This month Lake Powell and Lake Mead reached a record-low elevation, highlighting the need for flexible operations that can respond to rapidly changing conditions across the Colorado River Basin.

To ensure reliable operations of the Colorado River system, the Department of the Interior issued the 2027-2028 Operating Guidelines and the Record of Decision for the Post-2026 Colorado River Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement, establishing a 10-year Decision Framework to guide future operational guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

Together, they provide for delivery of vital water supplies and protect critical federal infrastructure while preserving the flexibility necessary to respond to Basin States’ voluntary actions, consensus recommendations and the continued prolonged drought.

Read the press release here: https://t.co/fsFtYsvTo1

📷: Glen Canyon Dam rises above the Colorado River near Page, Arizona, with the surrounding red rock landscape visible in the background.

@Interior

[U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission @usibwc]

Commissioner @USIBWCCMcIntosh joined @EPAregion9 Regional Administrator @MikeMartucciNY, @RepRaulRuizMD, @AsmJeffGonzalez, and community leaders yesterday in Calexico, to tour New River infrastructure and discuss the path toward a permanent, binational solution to transboundary pollution.

The tour highlighted the City of Calexico’s New River Project, which helps remove debris from transboundary flows as they enter the United States. While these local improvements provide an important layer of protection, lasting progress requires addressing pollution at its source in Mexico.

#USIBWC is working with its Mexican counterparts, EPA, California partners, local governments, and impacted communities to protect Americans from exposure to Mexican sewage.

Protecting public health, improving water quality, and restoring the New River require sustained partnership and accountability on both sides of the border. We remain focused on a 100% solution to transboundary flows into the United States.