El Paso, Texas, is making waves in the realm of water conservation and recycling, with the local water utility being recognized statewide for its efforts. The August edition of Texas Monthly magazine shines a spotlight on water use, waste, and conservation initiatives in the state, with El Paso Water taking center stage for its upcoming Advanced Water Purification Facility and other innovative programs aimed at preserving this precious resource.
El Paso Water President and CEO, John Balliew, proudly shared the article ‘Recycle Like El Paso’ during a recent board meeting, highlighting the positive portrayal of the city’s water conservation efforts. The Texas Monthly feature, titled ‘Who’s Wasting Our Water,’ delves into the issue of water loss due to maintenance issues and leaky pipes across the state, prompting El Paso Water to intensify its efforts to minimize leaks and waste in the distribution system.
Balliew emphasized the utility’s longstanding commitment to reducing water loss, with ongoing initiatives such as monitoring systems and satellite scanning in place to detect and address leaks promptly. With 12,000 monitors strategically placed throughout the system, El Paso Water is vigilant in its efforts to ensure that water is efficiently delivered to customers, minimizing wastage and promoting sustainability.
Gilbert Trejo, Vice President for Engineering, Operations, and Technical Services at El Paso Water, highlighted the utility’s forward-thinking approach to water management, which caught the attention of Texas Monthly. The upcoming Advanced Water Purification Facility represents a significant milestone in El Paso’s water conservation journey, building on previous projects such as aquifer storage and desalination to secure the city’s water supply for the future.
The Advanced Water Purification Facility, set to come online by 2027, will utilize cutting-edge technology to treat municipal wastewater to a standard exceeding EPA requirements for drinking water. With four layers of purification including membrane technology, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet disinfection, and granular activated carbon filtration, the facility will ensure the production of safe and high-quality drinking water for the community.
Once operational, the advanced facility is projected to produce 10 million gallons of water per day, equivalent to the water needs of over 75,000 people in the region. This represents a significant step towards enhancing water security and sustainability in El Paso, setting a precedent for other communities grappling with water scarcity issues.
In conclusion, El Paso’s proactive approach to water conservation and recycling serves as a shining example of innovative water management practices. With the Advanced Water Purification Facility on the horizon, the city is poised to lead the way in sustainable water use, paving the path for a more resilient and water-secure future for all.