New River
New River
For decades, the New River in Imperial County has been characterized as one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. The contaminated body of water, which originates in Mexicali, Mexico and flows into the US through the City of Calexico remains one of the largest public health issues the County has faced. The Imperial County Public Health Department, Division of Environmental Health has developed its New River sampling program and is dedicated to making water quality data for Imperial County Residents easily accessible. In addition to its own data collection, the ICPHD works alongside the Regional Water Board and International Boundary & Water Commission to share data and address local issues.
In 1980, the IBWC established Minute 264. The intent of the Minute was to create an interim solution until a permanent solution could be achieved. Minute 264 outlines water quality standards for the New River. And while the document has served its purpose there have not been any updated Minutes to replace the interim document. In October 2019, ICPHD formally requested that Minute 264 be updated to reflect more current water quality standards. While the request was denied ICPHD staff continues to actively participate and advocate for Imperial County residents in the Mexicali Sanitation Binational Technical Committee.
Imperial County New River- Bacteriological Monitoring
To view CRWQCB data:
To view IBWC data:
- Select Water Quality Web Map Application
- In the search bar (upper left corner) type "Calexico, Ca"
- Click the red dot that is titled "New River at IB"
- Click arrow under "Related Tables"
- Select record
- Double click to view