PRESS RELEASE | ADEQ and Santa Cruz County officials warn of contact with water in Nogales wash

Nogales, Ariz. (August 12, 2022) – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and Santa Cruz County officials continue to warn against contact with water in the Nogales Wash and Potrero Creek due to Intermittent Transboundary Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO), in addition to high levels of pollutants that may be present during any storm causing increased runoff.

Due to recent and ongoing monsoon activity, there have been several instances of transboundary surface water flows from Nogales, Sonora to Nogales, Arizona. Most of this flow is typical stormwater runoff. However, some of the flow is due to intermittent SSO, which occurs in Nogales, Sonora, when stormwater and debris overwhelm the local sanitary sewer. The volume of sewage that may have reached Santa Cruz County is unclear and ADEQ continues to coordinate with the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the utility of Nogales, Sonora, City of Nogales, Arizona and Santa Cruz County to assess current risks and provide ongoing technical assistance.

The US and Mexico sections of IBWC are also in contact with the utility in Nogales, Sonora, which is working to address factors contributing to intermittent SSO. During storms, water levels can be higher than normal in local washes. Normally, there is a persistent low flow into the Nogales Wash from a natural spring, as well as runoff and discharge from Nogales, Sonora. This water is not due to a DED, but a DED can mix with this water.

As is the case with most high-volume runoff storms, ADEQ urges people to avoid accessing local washouts in this area. This recommendation is based on the potential health risks to people and animals from contact with typical runoff, which contains high levels of pollutants, and the additional concerns posed by wastewater from intermittent SSOs. SSO runoff and wastewater carry pathogens that pose a risk to human health and the environment. People and animals that come into contact with these types of water are at risk of becoming infected with these pathogens.

Recommended actions:

• Avoid all contact with water in this area, including wading, drinking and bathing. In case of contact with water, rinse immediately with soap and clean water.
• Ensure that pets and livestock do not drink potentially contaminated water. Pets can be especially susceptible because they tend to drink while in water and lick their fur after exposure. Rinse animals with soap and clean water.
• If you suspect your health or that of your pet or livestock has been affected by exposure to contaminated water, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to inform the healthcare professional of any contact with SSO. Also, be sure to notify your local county public health department of the details of the exposure.

Resources

Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency | View >

contacts

ADEQ Public Information Officer
602-540-8072 | Email >

Santa Cruz County Public Information Officer
520-375-8285 | Email >