Tag Archives: El Paso water

To celebrate National Infrastructure Week with utilities across the country, EPWater is highlighting some of the many projects in and around the city.

For 2018, EP Water officials say they are investing $75 million to replace aging water and wastewater lines, rehabilitate wells and reservoirs, and make much needed upgrades to various facilities.

El Paso Water maintains over 2,653 miles of water lines buried beneath the city – enough to stretch from El Paso to the tip of Maine –  and crews are always working to upgrade the elaborate system.

With many storage tanks, pump stations, and treatment facilities working alongside stormwater structures like dams, channels and ponds; a system of this size requires continual investment in the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure, as well as new construction projects to support city growth.

One such project features EP Water crews replacing one of the oldest water storage tanks dating back to the 1920s: Jackson Ground Water Storage Tank.

To improve capacity and reliability of service for nearly 200 locations in west central El Paso, the tank is being replaced with a three-million-gallon tank, pump station and connections to the distribution system.

The project will restore the tank to its original storage capacity, ensuring reliable service during drought and emergencies.

Aesthetic improvements include a new rock wall with decorative wrought iron fencing, water-smart plants, and a newly paved access road shared with neighbors. The construction cost for this project is $4.6 million.

Not too far away in central El Paso, the Haskell R. Street Wastewater Plant dates back to 1923. The plant provides essential services to nearly 150,000 customers by treating 27.7 million gallons of wastewater per day.

Projects underway will improve efficiency, reliability and odor control. Odors have been a persistent problem in surrounding neighborhoods for decades, but work performed at the plant and with the incoming distribution systems has slashed detectable odor to the community by 75 percent.

Recent upgrades have overhauled the “degrit facilities”—one of the first stops in the treatment process, mitigated odors from incoming wastewater mains, and upgraded primary clarifiers and related enclosures. The upgrades will continue with planned improvements to pumps, mechanical screens and compactors as well as an aeration channel cover, which together should eliminate odors beyond the plant boundary.

Across town, the Thomas Manor Park Pond and Pump Station Project is a good example of blending infrastructure needs with quality of life improvements.

While EP Water works to improve flood control and increase public safety, the park will get a facelift thanks to the partnership between EP Water, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Ysleta Independent School District.

Infrastructure updates include: a relocated pond that will increase stormwater capacity by more than 11 million gallons, a rehabilitated pump station, and replacement of aging water and wastewater pipes within the park.

The new park-pond design will not only capture stormwater runoff but also create recreational opportunities for nearby residents by providing fresh turf for green fields, updated walking trails, and a new play area.

El Paso Water, the City of El Paso Environmental Services Department and the El Paso County Water Improvement District #1 (EPCWID #1) announced the kick-off of a public service campaign to bring attention to the City’s major illegal dumping problem and urge citizens to play a role in helping stop it.

More than 140,000 pounds of trash were illegally dumped in ditches, arroyos and across El Paso within the last year. Tires, mattresses, shopping carts and even toilets are among the most frequent items found and removed.

“Illegal dumping is a big problem in El Paso. Everybody needs to do their part to stop it,” said El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew. “Our crews dedicate a significant amount of time and money to clearing out the trash. We could be using those funds to build more stormwater ponds that keep water off our streets.”

Balliew also pointed out that even a small amount of trash can clog drains and canals, creating a serious flood safety risk in a matter of minutes. He said the problem becomes particularly dangerous during the monsoon season and urged residents to call 311 to report illegal dumping.

City of El Paso Environmental Services Department Deputy Director Kurt Fenstermacher warned illegal dumping carries big consequences: it’s a Class C misdemeanor and you can face up $4,000 in fines.

“We all have to do our part to keep our city safe, clean and beautiful…But that requires us taking action and saying something when we see (illegal dumping),” Fenstermacher said.

To raise awareness of the problem, the new public service campaign will utilize radio, video, digital and outdoor media to get the word out.  To demonstrate how big the problem is, EPWater puts the 140,000 pounds of trash in context by pointing out it is equal to the weight of a herd of elephants.

At the kick-off, an elephant sculpture made out of illegally dumped trash was on hand, designed by local artist Jason Brewer. The sound and visuals of elephants are threaded throughout the public service campaign.

El Paso residents are urged to dispose of any large trash or waste at the approved Citizen Collection Centers throughout the city. The centers are located at:

• Northeast: 4501 Hondo Pass Drive
• Central: 2492 Harrison Ave.
• West Side: 121 Atlantic Road
• East Side: 1034 Pendale Road
• East Side: 3510 Confederate Drive

For more information on the campaign click here.

It’s no secret that El Pasoans have taken water conservation to heart. In 1991, El Paso Water rolled out an aggressive conservation program that had residents slashing water usage by about 30 percent over nearly 30 years.

“It’s quite an accomplishment that our community is using less water today than we did in the mid-1990s even though we’ve added almost 200,000 new residents,” El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew said.

According to El Paso Water, this drop in usage was the result of a “multi-pronged program touting incentives for conservation, education efforts, and a revised rate structure that promotes conservation. However, continued conservation efforts are important for long-term sustainability.”

Currently the average El Pasoan uses 128 gallons per day, and the goal for 2030 is 118 gallons per day. El Pasoans can do their part by following tips to save water, and that means saving money, as well.

El Paso Water’s rate structure encourages conservation because the unit price of water increases with more water use. The less customers use, the less they pay.  Getting a waiver for the Water Supply Replacement Charge is another way for customers to bank some savings.

This charge – which is about $10 for the average residential customer – is applied to infrastructure investments for future water supplies. However, the charge is waived for customers who use less than 2,992 gallons of water in any given month.

As temperatures climb, many El Pasoans return to their gardens with hoses in hand. But if they’re using more water, they can expect an increase in their bill as well.

EP Water offers the follow these tips:

Only water during designated days and times.
Water early or late in the day to avoid evaporation.
Put irrigation on hold during windy and rainy weather.
Check outdoor water systems for winter induced cracks and leaks.
Select WaterSmart plants. EPWater has provided many online examples (and photos) of water efficient plants that are well suited to our Chihuahuan Desert environment at El Paso Desert Blooms.

“Simple steps can yield extraordinary results with just a little bit of effort,” said El Paso Water Conservation Manager Anai Padilla. “Everyone can be a thoughtful steward of our water resources.”

Water industry experts and researchers gathered Thursday and Friday in the Sun City to explore water strategies for the border’s future at the Two Nations One Water: U.S.-Mexico Border Water Summit.

Lead organizer Ed Archuleta, Director of Water Initiatives for the University of Texas at El Paso, welcomed the diverse audience to the “Olympics of Water on the Border” at the TecH₂O Learning Center located at 10751 Montana Avenue.

“Despite all the rhetoric in the news about building border walls and immigration issues, those of you in the water industry know that water is the most important issue on the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Archuleta. He invited participants “to share ideas so we can continue to have a robust and economically viable border region.”

“Establishing partnerships is vital to navigating water issues on the border,” said El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew.  “It’s very important to have cooperation when dealing with this key resource. Our triangle of relationships between EPWater, the region’s universities and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is key to solving many of these issues.”

Speakers and participants engaged on topics such as drought, the Colorado River Agreement – Minute 323 and research on innovative technologies including water reuse and desalination.

A number of ideas were advanced throughout the two days to further cross-border cooperation and advance innovations that support the vitality of the border region.  Among the ideas that generated the most discussion were:

• Begin to work on a cooperative binational framework focused on aquifers that cross state and national borders; and
• Examine new economic models that value water and water infrastructure appropriately for long term sustainability.

Commissioner Roberto Fernando Salmón Castelo, of Mexico’s International Boundary and Water Commission (CILA), said the international conference and ongoing dialogue will help strengthen U.S.-Mexico bonds.

“We want water to be a theme that unites us, not divides us,” Salmón said.

Photo gallery courtesy EP Water

Wednesday morning, the Public Service Board (PSB) approved the El Paso Water Budget for fiscal year 2018-19 for its water, wastewater, reclaimed water and stormwater utilities.

“As El Paso’s population grows, we must continue to develop new water resources and extend infrastructure to serve new developments of homes and businesses,” said EPWater President and CEO John Balliew. “We also aim to improve system reliability and customer service.”

The new budget includes an 8% water/wastewater rate increase and a 2% stormwater fee increase.  Together, these translate into an increase of $4.06 per month for a typical homeowner.

The $490 million water, wastewater and reclaimed water budget enables El Paso Water to replace aging infrastructure, improve reliability and secure future water supplies.  The utility has also prioritized investment in a new customer information system and will continue staffing improvements and technology upgrades to improve customer satisfaction.

The $51.1 million stormwater budget will help expand flood control projects, maintain the existing stormwater system, and continue to set aside 10 percent of funds for dual-purpose ponds and open space projects.

“El Paso Water is trying to be proactive by repairing and replacing deteriorating infrastructure,” said Mayor Dee Margo. “We need to be prepared, and build for the future.”

Via a news release, PSB officials said, “Even with this year’s rate and fee increases, El Paso’s monthly water charges are well below those of other large Texas cities and other Texas border cities…and on a national scale, El Paso’s water and wastewater rates are less than half of the national average of $140 per month.”

Officials added, “Conservation is the key to reducing water bills for residential and business customers. The rate structure is designed to provide relief for low water users while charging a premium for high water users. Customers using less than 4 ccfs* (2,992 gallons) of water in any given month will receive a waiver of the Water Supply Replacement Charge. Last year, this charge of $9.83 was waived on an average of 38,000 monthly customer bills.”

The PSB also gave EPWater approval to enter into discussions with Project Amistad, a local non-profit, on an affordability program to help those who struggle to pay their monthly bill.

The approved budgets, rates and fees will go into effect at the start of the fiscal year, which begins March 1, 2018.

They are worlds apart, but El Paso Water shares common ground with their counterparts in Singapore in water reuse developments.

Three representatives of PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, visited Monday to discuss El Paso Water’s advances in water treatment processes and to tour the Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant, 11700 Railroad.

“Largely, Singapore is viewed as a leader in water reuse across the world, so for them to come to El Paso and to want to learn from us is a real honor,” said Gilbert Trejo, utility chief technical officer.

Dr. Mong Hoo Lim, chief specialist of PUB Water Quality, microbiologist Ervia Huang and Jireh Yew, senior planner, exchanged information with El Paso Water about their water reuse programs, Trejo said.

“Our visit was very informative, and we had a great time,” Huang said.
PUB officials, including Lim, first visited EPWater in 2015 to seek information on reclaimed water.

“We learned that there really are some differences in how we are both approaching water reuse,” Trejo said.

El Paso Water frequently fields inquiries from other national and international utilities, often seeking information not only about water reuse, but the methods in which the company provides water to the City of El Paso.

EPWater officials welcome those requests and see opportunities to learn from others.

“All of these water companies and utilities across the world are just trying to provide clean drinking water to their customers and their residents, so we are all in the same boat,” Trejo said. “There is like a brotherhood between all of us.”

“We freely share information because they could take something that we are doing, advance it and come back and teach us what they did with our information,” he added.

Author: Martha Koester – EP Water, Internal Communications Coordinator 

El Paso Water will recognize Martita’s Lunch Box (3623 Buckner St.) as its 2017 Conservation Hero at the Chihuahuas baseball game Friday night. Restaurant owner Martin Rios will accept the award from EPWater President and CEO John Balliew on the field before the third inning.

“Food service providers tend to be significant water users, so we want to give well-earned recognition to the ones that have adopted water efficient equipment and practices,” said EPWater CEO and President John Balliew. “Our conservation hero program holds up El Paso models to create awareness of best conservation practices, with hopes that it might inspire other local businesses to follow.”

In selecting Martita’s Lunch Box, dozens of locally-based restaurants were screened and evaluated based on best practices for water efficiency. Scorecards were used to rate each restaurant for use of water efficient faucets, toilets, washing machines and more.

Also included on the scorecard was compliance record for proper disposal of greases to minimize negative impact on wastewater systems.

Based on scoring, Martita’s Lunch Box came out on top.  The restaurant is one of eight restaurants that have met the criteria to be an EPWater Certified Water Partner, a new program recognizing local restaurants that meet various water efficiency criteria.

The other Certified Water Partners – in no particular order – are:

• Ripe Eatery (910 E Redd Road)
• Ardovino’s Pizza (1879 N. Zaragoza)
• Good Luck Café (3813 Alameda Ave)
• Track One (1330 Robert E. Lee Road)
• Super Elotes Richey’s (8541 Alameda Ave)
• Julio’s Café Corona (3630 Joe Battle); and
• Zinos Greek and Mediterranean (7040 N. Mesa).

El Pasoans have recognized the importance of water conservation, cutting their total water consumption by 30 percent over the last two decades. Continued progress is needed to meet future targets.  With hospitality and food service industries representing 15 percent of the total water usage in the commercial sector, El Paso Water is increasing its conservation program focus in this area.

“If restaurants are interested in saving water and cutting operating expenses, we can work with them on best steps to take,” said Anai Padilla, EPWater’s conservation manager.  “This program will be a success if we see more restaurants actively conserve and more restaurants become Certified Water Partners.”

Customers can get sandbags for flood control seven days a week beginning Monday, June 26.

The summer distribution sites will reopen in the Mission Valley, west, central and east areas of El Paso, and hours will be extended at the Stormwater Operations Center, which is open throughout the year.

Customers in areas prone to flooding are encouraged to have sandbags on hand before most heavy rains begin. The limit is 10 bags per visit.

Persons who cannot lift heavy items should be accompanied by someone who can assist with loading and unloading the bags.

El Paso Water does not charge for sandbags.

The expanded site locations and hours will be available through Sept. 30.

Water experts from across the state of Texas will gather for the 7^th Annual Water Reuse Texas Conference. WateReuse Texas, the Water Environment Association of Texas, and the Texas American Water Works Association are co-sponsoring the event.

Organizers chose El Paso for the conference location, hoping the city’s experience in utilizing water reuse to supplement and diversify water supplies will serve as a learning opportunity for other Texas communities.

Public Service Board Chair Henry Gallardo will give the Keynote Speech and EPWater President and CEO John Balliew will welcome conference attendees.

“Texas communities are demonstrating national leadership with water reuse innovations,” said EPWater President and CEO.  “El Paso welcomes water leaders from around the state and looks forward to sharing how water reuse fits with our past and future water supply strategies.”

WHAT:                 Water Reuse in Texas Conference

WHERE:               El Paso Convention Center |  1 Civic Center Plaza

WHEN:                 May 19, 2017

8:45-9:45: Opening Session featuring EPWater President and CEO John Balliew and PSB Chair Henry Gallardo

10:00am – 4:30pm: Technical sessions

To register for the conference, click HERE.

Friends of the Rio Bosque will host “Bosque in Bloom,” and El Paso Water is a proud sponsor of the event. The public is invited to experience the lush native river-valley plant communities now developing at the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park thanks to water present during the growing season.

Bosque in Bloom,” is a free event where families can take guided and self-guided walks of the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park and learn about the wildlife that call it home. Visitors can also enjoy bird-watching, and families can participate in interactive fun with their kids.

El Paso Water began piping treated wastewater to the park in 2015 to replenish plants and wildlife after several years of drought took their toll.

The water has helped large areas of wetland and riverside vegetation to thrive at the park.

For more information about Bosque in Bloom visit  their website or call 915-747-8663. Other event organizers are Bill Hoover at 915-487-7154 or Judy Ackerman 915-755-7371.

WHERE: Rio Bosque Wetlands Park 10716 Socorro Road

Earlier this year, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation (PDNHF) announced a partnership with the City of El Paso and El Paso Water to build a linear trail on the Playa Drain from Ascarate Park to Riverside High School.  Now, officials with PDNHF want to meet with the public to discuss and share ideas about the project.

Tracy J. Yellen, CEO, Paso del Norte Health Foundation, says , “The Playa Drain Trail will offer opportunities for recreation and physical activity (walking/biking) for use by residents throughout the region and as an alternative to driving for near-by residents, and is part of the Health Foundation’s commitment to making active living the easy choice in our region.”

The Playa Drain Trail project is possible because of the creativity and collaboration of multiple entities committed to improving quality of life in the region. El Paso Water purchased the Playa Drain from the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 (Improvement District) in 2014 for $2.75 million to become part of the storm water management system.

El Paso Water entered into an agreement with the City of El Paso to allow use of the Playa Drain for recreation, with the City committing to its maintenance.

The City also committed $300,000 for amenities on the trail as part of the 2012 Quality of Life Bond Project. Finally, the Health Foundation Board approved up to $2,000,000 for design and construction for a 3.4 mile section with the goal of leveraging additional funds to convert the entire 8- mile stretch of the Playa Drain from Ascarate Park to Capistrano Park (just past Ysleta High School) into a safe, well-designed walking and biking trail.

Ultimately, the Health Foundation seeks to work with multiple partners like the City and County of El Paso to develop an ambitious, and potentially continuous, county-wide urban trail.

The Playa Drain is part of the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 Historic District, a large, narrow district that spans from Caballo Reservoir in New Mexico south along the Rio Grande, following the Franklin and Riverside canals and their associated laterals and drains.

According to the Improvement District, drains, like the nearly 100-year old Playa Drain, were developed to carry salty water that leached from the cotton fields during irrigation. The drains are characteristically deep, versus irrigation canals which are above ground, allowing water to flow through the soil and into the drains, removing the salt that can be harmful to farming.

For the Health Foundation, the conversion of the drain from its historical use to a storm water and recreation use helps the Health Foundation promote health in the region.

Foundation officials say that their research shows nearly 30% of adults in El Paso have reported no physical activity over the last 30 days. A sedentary life is often associated with poor health.

“We believe that well-designed trails that are close to neighborhoods and connected to other amenities like parks and schools will promote physical activity and make active living the easy choice for residents in our region,” says Yellen.

She adds, “We extend our sincere thanks to the Improvement District, El Paso Water and City of El Paso for their partnership on this project and look forward to working with residents in the neighborhoods around the Playa Drain and throughout the community to promote active living in our region.”

With the partnerships and funding in place for the Ascarate Park-Riverside High School portion of the Playa Drain Trail, the Health Foundation and partners turn their focus from visioning to design.

To that end, they are inviting the community to join them for the first set of public planning meetings to work on the trail design:

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 – 6 p.m.

Riverside High School Cafeteria

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 – 6 p.m.

Riverside High School Cafeteria

For more information, contact Tracy Yellen, Paso del Norte Health Foundation at tyellen@pdnhf.org or 915-544- 7636.