QUICK FACTS
- Located at 800 Canal St. (79901)
- Initially opened in 1943 as Robertson Plant; Umbenhauer Plant was added in 1967
- 40 MGD combined Treated/Distributed
Plant Function
The plant treats Rio Grande water to drinking water standards during the irrigation season (March-September) for distribution to customers. The plant can also blend and treat water pumped from wells during the non-irrigation season.
Area(s) Served
Central and West El Paso
Renovations/Upgrades
The W.E. Robertson Water Treatment Plant was completed in 1943 to serve a population of 107,000. The plant was expanded in 1949, and in 1967 the Elwood J. Umbenhauer Plant was constructed. Together, these two plants are called the Canal Street Water Treatment Plant and provide 40 million gallons of water per day. In 2004, more renovations were completed to include the installation of an Ultraviolet Light Disinfection system.
Awards Received
- In 2016, received the AWWA Partnership for Safe Water 10-Year Directors Award of recognition.
Interesting Facts
According to historical documents, the first mention of a new water treatment plant was made March 5, 1941. A committee had been appointed to study and recommend options to supply additional water to El Paso. With the beginning of World War II, Fort Bliss was expanding and additional water was needed.
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