Preventing damage to the sewage system
The Tijuana State Public Services Commission (CESPT) is urging non-residential users — including industries, businesses, and maquiladoras — to register in its Permanent Wastewater Discharge Control Program.
The program requires the installation of devices that retain waste generated by businesses and industries, such as grease, oils, or solids, which can clog and damage sewer networks. The goal is to protect the sanitary drainage system, ensure efficient operation, and prevent costly repairs.
Reducing risks to infrastructure and public health
CESPT Director General Jesús García Castro explained that these devices are key to preventing blockages, as they reduce the buildup of sedimentable solids that can damage infrastructure, increase maintenance costs, and pose environmental and public health risks.
Currently, the agency serves 43,263 non-residential accounts — 40,153 businesses and 3,110 industrial units — spread across 92 business types. Of these, 33 are considered high-priority because they are the main sources of residual discharges that clog sewer lines.
A legal obligation for businesses
Under Baja California’s Potable Water Service Law, non-residential users such as businesses and industries are required to regulate their wastewater discharges by obtaining the proper permit or, in some cases, applying for an exemption in accordance with current regulations.
Businesses that must comply with this process include laundries, car washes, tortilla shops, supermarkets, restaurants, fish markets, bakeries, and gas stations, among others.
These establishments must obtain and renew their discharge permits annually as part of efforts to protect the sewage system and maintain its proper functioning.
Where to get more information
Full details on the program and the application process are available on CESPT’s official website: