Tag Archives: El Paso water

El Paso Water’s Kyle Eckert and Luis Velasquez have heard all about the giant ball of grease – weighing 130 tons – that recently threatened to flood London’s streets with wastewater.

The pretreatment inspectors for Environmental Compliance and Industrial Pretreatment want you to know that EPWater is working toward a cleaner city one drain at a time.

Utility FOG inspectors aim to make sure London’s problem doesn’t become El Paso’s by educating restaurant staffs across the city. Their goal is to prevent wastewater blockages by teaching El Pasoans how to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG).

London’s giant mass – aka fatberg – formed when cooking oil and other fats were flushed down drains. From there, flushed FOG accumulated with other discarded materials , such as wipes and diapers.

The message is simple, Eckert said. “Be informed, be aware of what you are dumping down the drain and how it will impact the

community,” Eckert tells restaurant owners and managers.

Both Eckert and Velasquez have worked at wastewater plants and are familiar with the damage FOG can wreak.

“People want information on FOG,” Velasquez said. “The people we talk to want to know what’s wrong, how it’s wrong and how they can fix it.”

“We work very hard to minimize the impacts to the wastewater system, but we must rely heavily on individuals and businesses taking personal responsibility for what is poured down their drains,” said Sonia Wyatt, Code Compliance Manager.

During an inspection to a popular bakery on the East Side, Eckert trained Velasquez on EPWater’s FOG program, which regulates the discharge, transportation and disposal of FOG. Both checked the bakery’s grease trap to ensure compliance standards had been met.

What they found, though, was a grease trap brimming with fats, food waste and red chile sauce, the kind used for menudo and red chile tamales.

“It can get bad enough that the grease trap or pipe can no longer do its job,” Eckert said.

The FOG inspectors’ message is especially important Inspectors find FOGaround the holiday season when El Pasoans are cooking. The message is relevant year-round, Eckert said. EPWater reminds customers about the consequences of not heeding this advice with the “Defend Your Drains” outreach campaign.

One of the best ways to enforce the FOG message is by passing on the knowledge that comes with the job, Eckert said. It also helps if you have a captive audience, like the students at Ramona Elementary students on a recent visit.

“If you tell a child, they will tell their parents as soon as they get home,” Velasquez said. “They will make sure that their parents are disposing of FOG the right way.”

For more information, visit the EP Water page on FOG.

El Paso Water staff presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2019-’20 water, wastewater and stormwater budgets to the Public Service Board (PSB) on Monday evening.

According to EPW officials, the PSB will now consider the combined $436.1 million budget, which proposes no increase for stormwater fees.

The officials add that, “this is a downward adjustment from last year’s projection of 6 percent.” However, the budget proposes a 4 percent increase to water rates and an 8 percent increase to wastewater rates that will result in an average increase of $3 per month for the typical homeowner.

Nearly half of next year’s proposed capital improvement budget has been allocated to address aging infrastructure.

Other priorities include new water infrastructure needed to support city growth and progress on new water supply projects to meet future demand. The proposed stormwater budget enables momentum on major flood control projects already underway while holding off on major new projects.

“Along with many other utilities across the country, rehabilitating our older facilities is a priority,” said EPWater President and CEO John Balliew. “Major upgrades at three of our wastewater facilities will improve performance, reliability, efficiency and odor control.”

Balliew added that leak detection along with age and vulnerability assessments have pointed to necessary proactive replacements of major water and wastewater pipelines. “It’s important to manage and replace pipelines that show signs of aging or deterioration to prevent increases in water main breaks,” he said.

The $41.4 million stormwater budget focuses on projects already underway that were funded in the 2018-’19 fiscal year, as well as maintaining the existing stormwater system.

“El Paso Water’s efforts to install new water tanks and extend service lines are instrumental for our thriving city,” said Mayor Dee Margo.

Affordability Even with this year’s rate increases, El Paso’s monthly water charges are the second lowest of other large Texas cities. Only Laredo’s water rates are lower, while water rates are higher in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio.

Conservation is a tool for customers looking to lower their water bills. The rate structure is designed to provide relief for low water users while charging more 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 33,000 monthly customer bills.

EPWater has partnered with Project Amistad, a local nonprofit, on a customer assistance program to help elderly, lowincome customers who are at risk of disconnection. The program will provide bill payment assistance, money management counseling and help with home conservation.

If approved, the budgets, rates and fees will go into effect at the start of the fiscal year, which begins March 1, 2019.

Nearly three decades ago, the area’s aquifers were being pumped heavily to meet growing demands, and El Paso Water learned from several engineering studies that El Paso was at risk of running out of water by 2030 unless major changes were made.

The utility began an aggressive conservation program to reduce water consumption, expanded water recycling and constructed a new water plant to increase the use of river water.

The then-new plant added 40 million gallons of treated river water to the system and helped reduce the strain on underground sources. It was named in honor of  four-time El Paso mayor and U.S. Army Veteran 1st Lt. Jonathan Rogers.

“As the population grows, so has the demand for water,” said Water Plant Superintendent Mike Parker. “This plant has been there to offset some of those demands, and it will continue to do so.”

In 2002, the plant was expanded to produce 60 MGD, further preserving underground supplies for future use.

As El Paso Water celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Jonathan Rogers plant, officials say the facility is an example of “how each plant not only serves the community, but also helps to protect other valuable water resources.”

In order to treat river water, the state-of-the-art facility was designed with granular activated carbon filtration and an ozone disinfection system.

The Jonathan Rogers plant was a pioneer on the frontier of the developing ozone technology, which is now known for being highly effective in removing bacteria and assuring the quality and safety of drinking water.

“The equipment and technology used to produce ozone at the plant is one of the greatest features of the plant,” said Frank Regalado, Water Plant Assistant Superintendent.

Currently, the plant is in the process of replacing the system for the latest model in a $17 million project upgrade scheduled for completion in 2019.

“I look forward to the new streamlined system and its increased efficiency in disinfection,” said Regalado.

Since 1993, the Jonathan Rogers plant has been transforming river water into drinking water, and it holds a special place in the hearts of many who work at the plant. Parker remembers the excitement of his first day at the plant. “It was new, it was innovative for the utility, and the excitement was in the air.”

Several employees of the plant have been there from the beginning and take pride in the facility.

“I’m proud to teach the newest of our employees the technology that we use at the Jonathan Rogers plant to be able to deliver high quality water to our community,” said Regalado.

With rain moving into the area, El Paso Water officials remind residents that there is only one location to pick up sandbags in the city.

The Stormwater Operations Center, located at 4801 Fred Wilson, is open throughout the year. Customers can get sandbags between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The limit is 10 bags per visit. Please bring a copy of your water bill.

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

The Central location was closed for the season at the end of September. All seasonal satellite sites will reopen next summer.

El Paso Water is urging customers to obtain sandbags ahead of potentially heavy rains this week, by visiting the updated sandbag distribution site list below.

While the Haskell R. Street Wastewater Plant site on Boone street has closed for the season, customers can still obtain sandbags at any of the other 4 locations throughout El Paso.

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.

El Paso Water does not charge for sandbags. Persons who cannot lift heavy items should be accompanied by someone who can assist with loading and unloading the bags.

Additionally, El Paso County Public Works crews will be prepared for this week’s possible rain and flooding situations in County areas.

The County will be ready to dispatch up to 14 water trucks, a result of the Commissioners Court’s recent investment in stormwater management, to respond to any flooding or stormwater concerns. Additionally, County crews have filled over 6,000 sand bags for the storm and have delivered sandbags to the various Emergency Service District fire stations (listed below).

The sandbags will be available for pickup by residents 24/7 at the County Road & Bridge Warehouse facilities. Residents are urged to prepare accordingly.

To report flooding on County streets and roadways, residents may directly contact the County Public Works Hotline, 24/7 during a rain event, at (915) 875-8555 or via email at FloodAssist@EPCounty.com.

Residents are reminded to avoid attempting to cross running water on a roadway and to contact 911 in the event of an emergency.

El Paso County Road and Bridge Warehouse:

Fabens- 1331 N. Fabens St.

Canutillo- 191 Canutillo Ave.

Montana Vista- 14698 Van Lane

ESD #1

14151 Nunda Dr.

Horizon City, TX  79928

915-852-3204

ESD #2

Clint Fire Department

708 FM 1110

Clint, TX  79836

915-851-0018

Montana Vista Fire & Rescue

13978 Montana Ave.

El Paso, TX  79938

915-857-1080

San Elizario Fire & Rescue

1415 San Antonio

San Elizario, TX  79849

915-851-2020

Socorro Fire Department

11440 N. Loop

Socorro, TX  79927

915-851-8855

West Valley Fire Department

510 E. Vinton Rd.

Vinton, TX  79821

915-886-2323

From science fair project to touring a water treatment facility on wheels, El Paso Water is inviting all area families out their Science Saturday event.

Officials with El Paso Water say, “Families are in for a treat at this year’s Science Saturday event at TecH2O with chances to learn how-to create a science fair project, take part in dozens of hands-on demonstrations and tour a futuristic water treatment facility on wheels.”

The award-winning “Pure Water Trailer” mobile advanced water purification trailer, developed by a team from Tucson Water, Carollo and the University of Arizona, will make a one-day stop at TecH2O to showcase water reuse technology that holds solutions to water supply challenges in the arid southwest.

The treatment process – similar to EPWater’s planned Advanced Water Purification Facility – will transform treated wastewater into purified drinking water.

Free bottles of purified water produced by the trailer will be given to attendees while supplies last.

For additional information, call the TecH2O Center at 915-621-2001.

On Friday, El Paso Water officials announced that a contractor working on improvements at the Haskell R. Street Wastewater Plant, damaged a large main that feeds partially treated wastewater into the plant on Thursday.

According to El Paso Water officials, the damage resulted in a significant leak, causing several hundred thousands of gallons of partially treated wastewater to spill into the plant at 4100 Delta Drive,at approximately 1:00p.m..

“The spill did not go beyond the plant’s boundary and has been contained. No storm drains, waterways or public drinking water supplies were impacted or at risk as a result of the spill,” officials stated via a news release.

However, EPW officials added the following information for residents who get their water from wells in the area:

“Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.”

Crews are working at the plant to recover the spilled wastewater and pump it back into the facility for full treatment.  Preparations for repairs are underway.

Wastewater service is not affected, but nearby residents may experience increased plant odors; these odors do not pose a public health concern.

El Paso Water notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about the incident, and TCEQ representatives have visited the site and were briefed on remediation efforts.

All wastewater overflows in excess of 100,000 gallons must be reported to the TCEQ, the media and local officials.

If the public has questions on the spill, they may contact David Ornelas, Wastewater Systems Division Manager at El Paso Water at 915-594-5730.

Imagine deeply rooted artistic rock walls adorned with wrought-iron detail enclosed the sleek, modern architecture of a new building. Water-smart landscaping surrounded the grounds showcasing the beauty of native El Paso flora.

Is this a luxury resort? No, but it may represent the future for some upcoming El Paso Water facility projects.

EPWater has facilities throughout El Paso that produce reliable, high quality drinking water. Others perform stormwater flood control functions with the vital task of collecting and cleaning wastewater from homes and businesses. Although they are necessary locations, they do not have to be unsightly.

“That’s one of the top priorities in the job I’m doing right now – to look at facilities and come up with recommendations to beautify them for the community,” Construction Superintendent Art Quijano said.

For future projects, EPWater will evaluate whether beautification is needed to better compliment neighborhoods. The utility is also evaluating existing structures in need of aesthetic improvements.

One of EPWater’s latest upgrades was to the Pico Norte Lift Station, a facility situated in the heart of the Pico Norte community that pumps wastewater to plants for treatment.

“We took the surrounding area into consideration, including the YMCA, Eastwood Middle School and the Pico Norte Park,” Quijano said. “We wanted it to be modern and blend in with the neighborhood, but we didn’t want it stand out. It needed to have attractive features with curb appeal.”

The redesign swapped the 1960s mansard-style roof with a sleek, flat front. The building’s newly installed metal siding was extended upward to cover rooftop equipment as well as shield the surrounding community from the noise it can produce.

LED lighting and siding materials were chosen for its look as well as long-term savings from low energy usage and durability.

Residents walking the park trails expressed delight when crews ousted the industrial looking chain-link fence and barbed wire to make way for updated rock walls, matching wrought-iron detail and an enhanced gateway.

“As we were working, they would comment, ‘Looking good. It’s about time,’” Quijano said. “They could see the difference.”

In just a few short months, Mulberry Pond in the Upper Valley will be the next project to receive a face-lift.

The site near Mulberry and Doniphan recently underwent an odor-control overhaul and will soon feature a new rock wall with wrought-iron detailing and a low-cut corner to enhance traffic visibility around the pond.

The nearby lift station will be hidden by the new wall and possibly repainted. A gate will update site security and discourage children and adults from entering the canal, which can fill up with stormwater and flood in minutes.

Quijano said Mulberry pond is located close to residential communities and feels this is an important site to tackle.

With many sites on Quijano’s radar he said, “It feels good that I can help improve the neighborhoods for so many people.”

El Paso Water will close a portion of George Dieter Drive from just before Scott Simpson Drive to just past Rex Baxter Drive starting July 9 to replace a 30-inch water main.

EPW officials say, “The project is part of the utility’s corrosion prevention program…EPWater is replacing water mains ahead of schedule to prevent potentially longer traffic delays and service disruptions.”

Southbound lanes will be converted into two-way traffic. Lane restrictions will begin at Vista Del Sol Drive and end at Pellicano Drive.

The proactive water main replacement project will help prevent a potentially larger and longer closure due to pipe corrosion issues in the area.

The closure is scheduled through the end of October, pending any additional work that may be required during the project.

Drivers should anticipate congestion and traffic slowdowns near the construction, and are encouraged to seek alternative routes. Residents on the west side of George Dieter can use westbound Rex Baxter to Billie Marie Drive to access Vista Del Sol.

Residents on the east side of George Dieter can use Scott Simpson Drive.

Customers can get sandbags for flood control any day of the week beginning Friday, July 6. The expanded site locations and hours will be available through September 30.

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.

El Paso Water does not charge for sandbags. Persons who cannot lift heavy items should be accompanied by someone who can assist with loading and unloading the bags.

The City’s Environmental Services Department and El Paso Water are being honored with statewide awards by the Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association (TPWA).

“Environmental Services is always looking for ways to improve waste management. This award recognizing our innovative waste exchange program as a best practice demonstrates that the efforts of our department and employees is making difference in providing the community with outstanding services,” said Ellen Smyth, Environmental Services Director.

The City’s Environmental Services Department is being lauded with TPWA’s Management Innovation award. The award recognizes the department for its innovative waste exchange program, a public-private partnership agreement that allows it meet the community’s waste disposal demands.

According to a news release from the city, “Through the partnership with Waste Connections Inc., Environmental Services has strengthened its operational efficiencies and quality customer service through the conservation of fuel, overtime, and wear and tear on refuse trucks while becoming a better steward of the community.”

El Paso Water earned the TPWA Project of the Year for 2018 for its Resiliency Building & Water Storage project.  El Paso Water invested $12 million to construct several elevated water storage tanks in 2017 to ensure continued water service in certain pressure zones that were vulnerable to water losses.

The new tanks provide an additional 13 million gallons of backup water supplies that can be routed around service disruptions, including water main breaks or large-scale emergencies.

“This project – along with our $30 million investment in additional backup power generators at many of our facilities – has improved our overall emergency preparedness and system resiliency so we can better serve our customers,” said Alan Shubert, El Paso Water Vice President for Operations & Technical Services.  Shubert also serves on the TPWA Board.

Both Environmental Services and El Paso Water will be honored at an awards event on Thursday, June 28, as part of the association’s annual conference held June 27-29 in Fort Worth.

El Paso Water is among an elite group of utilities to earn the Partnership for Safe Water’s Directors Award for Distribution System Operations.

EPWater received this award for successfully completing a comprehensive self-assessment of distribution system operations and optimization that demonstrate the utility’s commitment to delivering safe, high quality water to the community.

“We are honored to be one of an elite group of systems to receive this award,” said EPWater CEO and President John Balliew. “Our utility’s goal is to be a leader in optimization and to continuously strive to optimize performance and provide high-quality water. The award demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting public health.”

The self-assessment process involves evaluation of distribution system operations and performance, identification of performance limiting factors and the development of action plans to achieve distribution system optimization. A final step involves participation by independent experts in a peer-review process, who prepare and publish a completion report.

The Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary self-assessment and optimization program for water treatment plant and distribution system operations.

More than 250 utility subscribers, collectively serving more than 85 million people are committed to the Partnership’s goals of providing safe, high-quality drinking water through achieving operational excellence. Partnership members participate in a rigorous four-phase self-assessment and peer review process, developed by industry experts, and are recognized broadly for their commitment to delivering safe water to their communities.

EPWater was one of a select group of utilities recognized at the annual conference of the American Water Works Association on June 12, for achieving the Directors Award-level of performance within the Partnership’s Distribution System Optimization Program.

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.”