Tijuana’s water utility, the Comisión Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Tijuana (CESPT), is offering residential and commercial customers the chance to eliminate up to 100% of surcharges on overdue water accounts. The CESPT surcharge waiver program runs through December 31, 2026, giving account holders a long window to settle outstanding balances without paying late fees.
Under the active discount decrees, customers who pay their full overdue balance in one payment can have all accumulated surcharges erased. Those who prefer to set up a payment plan still qualify for a 75% reduction on surcharges. Both options apply to residential and commercial accounts.
Separate Program Covers Vulnerable Groups
A second decree targets vulnerable populations with even deeper relief. Seniors, widows over 50, retirees, people with disabilities, and single parents may qualify to have their entire domestic water balance wiped clean. That includes the principal amount owed, all surcharges, and reconnection fees.
To qualify under this decree, applicants must use no more than 25 cubic meters of water per month on their account. The deadline to apply is November 30, 2026. CESPT has not published a full list of required documents online, but the utility’s offices can advise on eligibility and paperwork.
Where to Apply
CESPT operates multiple offices across Tijuana where customers can inquire about the program. The utility has also set up a dedicated help area at its headquarters on Boulevard Federico Benítez, near the Zona Río district. Bills can also be paid in person at CESPT offices, through local convenience stores, or online through the CESPT website at cespt.gob.mx.
The discount program comes at a relevant time. CESPT recently announced a major water shutoff affecting 81 Tijuana neighborhoods for infrastructure maintenance. Customers with overdue accounts risk being deprioritized for service restoration or facing disconnection, making this an opportunity to get current.
What Account Holders Should Know
Typical CESPT water bills in the Tijuana and Rosarito area range from roughly 100 to 300 pesos per billing cycle (about $5 to $15 USD), depending on usage. Surcharges on long-overdue accounts, however, can exceed the original balance. The 100% waiver effectively cuts some customers’ total debt in half or more.
Account holders who rent property should note that CESPT bills are tied to the property, not the tenant. Landlords and tenants should coordinate to confirm which name appears on the account before applying for relief.
This story was first reported by Jornada BC.