Discover the Findings: Tijuana River Valley Household Health Assessment Results Revealed!

New findings from a recent federal health survey in San Diego County reveal the impact of sewage contamination from the Tijuana River. Conducted by the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) with help from the CDC, the survey took place in South Bay and Nestor on October 17, 2024.

The survey targeted 480 homes, with 333 answering the door and 189 agreeing to interviews. The results showed that many residents have serious health concerns tied to the ongoing sewage crisis.

Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the County’s Interim Public Health Officer, expressed gratitude to the residents: “These results validate the concerns residents of the South Bay have been voicing about the effects of sewage contamination on their lives and health. This information is vital for our ongoing collaboration with local, state, and federal partners.”

Here are some key findings from the survey:

• 81% of participants rated their household health as a top concern.
• 67% felt their health has worsened.
• 69% reported symptoms in one or more household members related to the sewage issue.
• The most common symptoms included headaches, nausea, cough, and throat irritation.
• 18% sought medical care because of the sewage crisis.

The survey also looked at how daily life has shifted due to the crisis:

• 80% stated their quality of life has declined.
• 65% avoided areas near the river or beaches.
• 71% reported smelling sewage in their homes and neighborhoods.
• 72% closed their windows to lessen the odor.
• 59% changed their daily routines due to the crisis.

There were noticeable effects on mental health as well:

• 38% experienced increased anxiety.
• 59% noted higher overall stress levels.

In terms of water use, 67% of households relied on bottled or alternative water sources, and 71% were concerned about tap water safety. The community’s trusted sources of information were the County health department, followed by family, doctors, and social media.

The County is committed to addressing these concerns and is collaborating with various agencies to tackle air and water quality issues linked to the sewage crisis. Key actions include enhancing communication about health resources, educating about safe drinking water, promoting mental health support, and updating healthcare providers about ongoing surveillance activities.

In addition to the CASPER survey, the federal Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey will further evaluate health impacts. Results from this survey should be available soon. Also, an additional assessment to monitor hydrogen sulfide levels in the air is planned and may take about two years.

For more information on health concerns relating to the Tijuana River Valley, visit San Diego County’s health website.

If you’re feeling stressed or anxious due to the sewage crisis, mental health resources are accessible through the San Diego Access Crisis Line at 1-888-724-7240 or 988.