El Paso Water serves over 220,000 customers who produce an average of over 55 million gallons of wastewater per day.
Wastewater is water that has been used in the home for bathing, flushing, dishwashing, etc. Other wastewater is produced by businesses or as part of an industrial process.
Because wastewater is eventually returned to the environment after treatment, EPWater takes the utmost care in ensuring it meets stringent requirements set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in accordance with the Clean Water Act.
To meet these regulatory requirements, El Paso Water uses the best available technology and most cost-effective treatment processes to ensure proper and sufficient treatment of wastewater.
EPWater partners with industrial businesses to reduce the amount of pollutants discharged into the wastewater system as part of the utility’s Industrial Pretreatment Program. The utility’s Defend Your Drains campaign also raises awareness of the hazards of releasing fats, oils and greases to the wastewater system.
All wastewater treatment plant operators are highly skilled and required by the TCEQ to obtain and maintain varying degrees of certification. Plant operators are required to have knowledge of plant operations, treatment, design and federal and state rules and regulations.
The Treatment Process
EPWater maintains over 2,300 miles of wastewater lines that carry wastewater from homes and businesses to four award-winning wastewater plants for treatment.
Upon arrival, wastewater flows through bar screens and de-grit chambers that filter out large debris like wipes and rags. A series of primary clarifiers then filter small particles out of the wastewater and aeration basins break down organic matter.
EPWater uses several highly effective disinfection methods that include the addition of chlorine and/or ultraviolet light to treat wastewater to a level that is suitable for water reuse applications.
EPWater understands the value of reclaimed water and sends nearly 6 million gallons per day to irrigate crops, landscapes, and golf courses. The Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant goes a step further and treats wastewater to drinking water standards where it is used for aquifer recharge. Every gallon used is a gallon of potable water saved from our aquifers and river.
A portion of El Paso’s treated wastewater is also discharged to the Rio Grande as part of an agreement with the El Paso County Water Improvement District #1.
System Improvements
To support the growth of a thriving El Paso, EPWater plans 50 years into the future for a sustainable water supply and maintained system.
The utility is making numerous improvements to the wastewater system. Three of El 
Paso’s wastewater treatment facilities will undergo major upgrades to improve efficiency, performance and odor control.
In addition to plant overhauls, a new multi-million-dollar project will replace a major force main leading from the Grouse Lift Station to the Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant. Several lift stations around El Paso will be rehabilitated or replaced, and new wastewater lines will be installed in expanding communities.