More air purifiers are now being made available to help South Bay residents cope with hydrogen sulfide emissions from polluted water in the Tijuana River Valley, thanks to a $4 million investment approved by the County Board of Supervisors.
The Air Improvement Relief Effort (AIRE) program is being administered by the San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD). It builds on an earlier air filter distribution the district started in January 2025.
Applications for the program are available on the SDAPCD website and will also be shared by County community health workers serving the South Bay. Eligible households new to the program can receive up to three air purifiers and replacement filters, while supplies last. Returning participants can request up to two additional purifiers.
Details of the expanded air purifier program were announced Wednesday during a press conference organized by District 1 Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, who proposed the funding in January. Aguirre was joined by SDAPCD representatives, community members and researchers who have been investigating the pollution.
The air purifier program expansion marks the third recent development aimed at addressing Tijuana River Valley pollution impacts. In early June, the State Water Resources Control Board opened applications for a $46 million water quality grant program and the California Coastal Commission approved a County proposal to invest $2 million to improve the Saturn Boulevard outflow channel.
A collaborative partnership that includes the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Department of Public Health , San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board), SDAPCD and the County of San Diego has been working together since 2024 on the Tijuana River Valley sewage treatment issues, progress updates and health concern guidelines.
The County also continues to coordinate with the Tijuana River Coalition, area school districts, healthcare providers and community organizations to support affected residents.
More information about the pollution in the Tijuana River Valley and South County beach water is available from the SDAPCD, IBWC and the County’s dedicated Tijuana River Valley & Beach Water Sewage Crisis webpage.
