EPCC campus and customer lauded for reducing water use
News Release
Contact: Luis Carlos Lopez
915-594-5510 (office), 915-319-3284, e-mail: [email protected]
Date: June 13, 2016
EL PASO – By installing a drip irrigation system, drought resistant plants and engaging in thoughtful water-saving practices, Northeast resident Lewis McLeod and the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Transmountain campus proved water conservation is not a herculean task.
As part of its 25 Years of Conservation campaign, El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) will recognize both customers during an El Paso Chihuahuas game at Southwest University Park this month. Both McLeod and EPCC were selected as heroes based on a review of nominations and validation of water consumption records.
"Because of water conservation efforts of residential and commercial customers like those we are honoring today, El Paso has successfully reduced its per capita water consumption by 30 percent since the early 1990s," said El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew. "We also wish to thank the many El Pasoans who have cut water consumption but remain unsung conservation heroes."
McLeod, a 63-year-old retired defense contractor, reduced his annual water usage from 185,529 gallons in 2007 to 165,330 gallons in 2015—that's an 11 percent decrease in seven years. The Northeast campus has implemented xeriscaping and desert plants native to the El Paso area, in addition to drip irrigation and rain collection systems. The annual outdoor water use at the campus in 2015 was 37 percent less than the average outdoor water use over the past 7 years.
"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 'Conservation Hero' and a thoughtful steward of our water resources."
Conservation Heroes Honored at El Paso Chihuahuas Homes Games
- June 16: The EPCC Transmountain campus will be recognized on the field
- June 30: Lewis McLeod will be recognized on the field
- First pitch for both games scheduled at 7:05 p.m.
With oversight by the Public Service Board, El Paso Water provides water, wastewater, reclamation and stormwater management services. The utility serves approximately 800,000 people in the El Paso region. El Paso Water is recognized as a national leader for its innovative water supply strategy that includes water reuse, inland desalination and conservation.