Arizona wastewater pipeline repair advances with House approval
(UI) — A long-troubled wastewater pipeline serving Nogales, Arizona, moved closer to repair after the U.S. House approved legislation that includes $12.5 million to maintain and rehabilitate the International Outfall Interceptor, a nine-mile underground sewer line that carries wastewater from Mexico to U.S. treatment facilities.
The funding was included in the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, which now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The International Outfall Interceptor, known as the IOI, has for years leaked untreated wastewater into neighborhoods and streets during equipment failures and heavy rainfall, creating public health and environmental concerns for Nogales and surrounding areas.
“Nogales has had to endure this problem for far too long,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought for a permanent solution so that this border community no longer has to worry about sewage flowing through their streets.”
In addition to funding repairs and ongoing maintenance, the legislation would transfer ownership of the pipeline from the City of Nogales to the International Boundary and Water Commission, a binational agency responsible for water infrastructure along the U.S.–Mexico border.
Untreated wastewater escaping from the aging interceptor can carry raw sewage, debris and industrial contaminants, according to officials. The problem has persisted for decades, particularly during storm events when the system is overwhelmed.
“No community should have to deal with a situation like this,” Ciscomani said. “By investing in repairs to the International Outfall Interceptor and transferring it to the International Boundary and Water Commission, we are finally putting responsibility for this critical infrastructure where it belongs and delivering real relief for the families and businesses of Nogales.”
If approved by the Senate, the funding would support long-needed repairs aimed at stabilizing the buried pipeline and reducing the risk of future sewage overflows in the border community.
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