Background
CESPT, one of the best run water utilities in Mexico, is responsible for providing water and wastewater services in both Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito. In 2008 water coverage for both municipalities averaged 95%. However, due to population growth in these border towns, some areas do not have access to a water distribution system, which poses a serious threat to residents who are exposed to waterborne illnesses from contaminated water. Wastewater collection for both municipalities averaged 80% in 2008. Residents whose homes are not connected to the wastewater collection system use latrines, cesspools and open-air ditches for wastewater disposal, posing a risk for contamination of the potable water lines and groundwater resources, as well as a health risk from direct contact with raw sewage. CESPT is constantly working to maintain its systems and extend them to unserved areas through a series of programs and projects developed under its 20-year master plan.
Project Scope
The project consists of expanding the water distribution and wastewater collection systems in both Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito, as well as upgrading and increasing wastewater treatment capacity as follows:
Water
- Installation of approximately 166,971 ft. of waterlines, including an estimated 7,072 residential water hookups, and construction of two water storage tanks with a capacity of 2.4 million gallons in Tijuana.
Wastewater
- Construction of two force mains extending approximately 15,696 ft, along with two lift stations, construction of approximately 84,048 ft. of collectors and installation of approximately 375,918 ft. of sewer lines, including an estimated 14,466 residential sewer hookups in Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito.
- Expansion of the Rosarito I Wastewater Treatment Plant from 1.4 million to 2.8 million gallons per day (mgd)
In February 2011, two additional components were certified for funding under this project: completion of the La Morita Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Tecolote-La Gloria Wastewater Treatment Plant and in October 2012 another project was certified with three components: construction of the La Cuesta sewer system, rehabilitation of the Farallon collector and rehabilitation of the SEDUE-SAAS force main.
Beneficios
The project will reduce environmental and health hazards associated with inadequate sewage disposal, thus providing a cleaner, healthier environment for local residents. Specifically, an estimated 15.9 mgd of wastewater will be collected and treated prior to being discharged into the Pacific Ocean.
