Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Tijuana, Baja California, MexicoConstruction of the La Morita Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tijuana, Baja California
Project Status: Completed

General Information
Sector
Wastewater
Sponsor
Comisión Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Tijuana (CESPT)
Benefited population
124,691
Certification date
February 1,2011
Financing
Project cost
US $4.15 million
NADBank Funds
US $550,921 - Loan
Related documents
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 2010, as part of its master plan to extend wastewater collection and treatment services to 100% of the population and achieve zero discharges of untreated sewage into rivers and streams, CESPT undertook the construction of two additional wastewater plants—La Morita to serve residents in the southeastern area of the city and Tecolote-La Gloria to serve residents in the southwestern area of the city. The La Morita plant was completed and began operations in 2010.
Scope
CESPT proposed increasing its wastewater treatment capacity through the construction of the La Morita WWTP. The 5.8 mgd plant has a biological treatment process using extended aeration/activated sludge (EA/AS). The system includes nitrification, denitrification, phosphorus removal and UV disinfection, as well as a sludge digester and sludge pumping station. Treated effluent will be discharged into the Matanuco creek, which flows into the Tijuana River downstream of the Abelardo L. Rodriguez dam.
Benefits
This plant is helping reduce environmental and health hazards associated with untreated sewage discharges that affect local residents, as well as other communities along the Pacific coast, including California. The treated effluent from this plant can be used for non-potable uses, such as irrigation of green areas.