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What’s That Smell? Popular Los Cabos Tourist Area Affected By Sewage Overflow 

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Even the most beautiful, magical destinations have their problems to deal with.   

Often these things are left unseen by tourists, but every now and then something causes such problems to rear their ugly heads.   

This is exactly what is happening in Los Cabos right now, as a popular tourist area is affected by sewage overflow, resulting from the recent tropical storm that passed by the destination.   

Flooded Streets in Cabo San Lucas From a Tropical Storm

The Sewage Overflow Problem In Los Cabos 

According to reports, sewer water is backing up into the streets in Cabo San Lucas.   

The streets are apparently flooded with black water and waste in certain areas of the popular vacation destination.   

Not only does this make the streets dirty, but the wastewater is also accompanied by a terrible smell that takes away from that feeling of being in the paradise that Los Cabos is.   

Street in Cabo San Lucas

How The Tropical Storm Played A Role 

The cause of the sewers backing up is the tropical storm that just recently passed by Los Cabos.   

Tropical Storm Ileana, before making landfall on Mexico’s Sinaloa coast, produced heavy rains in Los Cabos, which the city’s sewer system was unable to handle.   

The flooding that resulted from the storm led to the overflow of the sewer system.   

Flooded Street Surrounded by Palm Trees

Why It’s An Ongoing Problem  

It may have been the rains from the tropical storm that ultimately led to the overflowing sewer system in Cabo San Lucas, but the problem is more complex than that.   

According to city workers, there isn’t enough equipment to handle all of the clogging issues in a situation like this.   

Additionally, maintenance in the pipes and the rest of the sewer system is lacking.   

Worker Inspecting Wastewater Treatment Plant

Why These Issues Are Bad For Business 

Business owners in the affected areas in Cabo San Lucas are reporting that they are losing a significant amount of business because of the sewage spills.   

Customers, including both locals and tourists, are avoiding the area.   

This is why business owners are urging officials to find a solution to the problem.   

Tourists Walking Around the Marina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

How The Sewage Problem Is Affecting Tourists 

Tourists visiting during times when sewage overflow is an issue have complained.   

Some have even referred to it as a setback for the image of the destination.   

Tourists are also affected by not being able to enjoy this main tourist area of Cabo San Lucas.   

Tourists Shopping in the Cabo Marina District

Other Issues Caused By Sewage Overflows 

Overflowing sewers are not just an issue of being unsightly and producing a bad smell, they can become a danger to health too.   

It’s not uncommon for authorities to shut down food stalls and even some restaurants when this happens because sewage overflow leads to sanitation issues, and those sanitation issues can cause foodborne illnesses.   

Often they will also recommend that street food stalls be avoided for a certain period of time following a large spill.    

So far, though, there have been no warnings to avoid street food in this case yet.   

Typically, officials will inspect food stalls once everything is cleaned up again before they will be allowed to reopen.   

Mexican Street Food Vendor Preparing Food

How To Avoid The Affected Areas 

Many travelers who visit Los Cabos don’t ever leave their resort property, so those individuals are not as affected by the situation.   

This is an option if you want to avoid the area.   

Likely, the hotel or resort you choose will have everything you need anyway.   

The beaches are a great place to avoid the effects of sewer spills too, especially those along the Tourist Corridor, which are located away from the center of Cabo San Lucas.   

Nobody wants their vacation ruined by having to deal with a situation like this, but there are plenty of ways to still make the most of your Los Cabos vacation.

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Gary Phillips

Wednesday 18th of September 2024

The sewer plant in San José del Cabo also overflows into the streets just as you enter downtown. This happens regularly even when no storm is present. This is horrible for visitors and business, plus it creates major potholes in the street that take forever to be repaired. Not a great welcome to tourists and a major inconvenience to the rest of us. We love this area and don't complain about small things but this needs to be fixed. Gracias!