El Paso Water Leads the Way in Innovative Wastewater-to-Drinking Water Trend
El Paso, a city in the heart of the desert, with less than nine inches of rain annually, faced the challenge of increasingly hot and dry weather in 2023 and 2024. However, El Paso Water had the foresight to plan for this changing climate many years ago. This forward-thinking utility recently broke ground on a groundbreaking project to ensure a sustainable water supply for its 700,000 residents. The project involves an advanced water purification facility that will convert 10 million gallons of treated wastewater into drinking water every day.
Pioneering Direct-to-Distribution Reuse Facility in the U.S.
El Paso’s Pure Water Center, set to be operational by 2028, marks the first direct-to-distribution reuse facility in the United States. While treating wastewater for direct reuse as drinking water has been a contentious issue in the past, advancements in technology and the growing scarcity of water resources have led more cities to explore this innovative approach.
Gilbert Trejo, the vice president of operations at El Paso Water, hailed El Paso as the epicenter of water recycling. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Pure Water Center highlighted the city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in water management.
Embracing Direct Potable Reuse
In 2016, El Paso Water initiated a pilot study to test the direct potable reuse of sewage and wastewater through a rigorous four-step treatment process. The utility rigorously tested the treated water samples in state-certified laboratories and found that the water met all drinking water quality standards. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reviewed the pilot data and gave the green light for the construction of a full-scale water purification facility.
After nearly a decade of meticulous planning and review, TCEQ approved the construction of the advanced purification facility in October 2024. The purification process involves a sophisticated multi-barrier system that includes reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light treatment, activated carbon filtration, and chlorine disinfection. This stringent process ensures that the water meets stringent safety standards before being distributed to the residents of El Paso.
Real-Time Monitoring and Contaminant Removal
To safeguard the quality of the purified water, TCEQ mandates an online monitoring system with alarms and automatic shut-down capabilities. Gilbert Trejo emphasized the importance of real-time monitoring to promptly address any issues that may arise during the treatment process. Additionally, El Paso Water is actively educating residents and businesses to minimize the introduction of harmful chemicals and pharmaceuticals into the sewer system.
While environmental advocates have expressed concerns about emerging contaminants like PFAS in the purified water, El Paso Water has taken proactive measures to address potential risks. The treatment process is designed to remove pharmaceuticals, emerging contaminants, and future pollutants, ensuring that the water delivered to consumers is safe and clean.
Supporting Innovation with Expert Oversight
El Paso Water’s commitment to excellence is further underscored by its collaboration with the National Water Research Institute, which assembled an independent panel of experts to review the plant’s designs. This expert oversight ensures that the purification facility adheres to the highest standards of water quality and safety.
As the construction of the Pure Water Center progresses, all eyes are on El Paso to set a precedent for sustainable water management practices in the region. With federal funding and community support, El Paso Water is poised to lead the way in innovative water reuse technologies.
Expanding Horizons in Water Reuse
The success of El Paso’s Pure Water Center has inspired other cities across Texas and the western United States to explore direct potable reuse projects. From Phoenix to Tucson, communities are following El Paso’s lead in embracing sustainable water management practices. With growing populations and diminishing water resources, direct potable reuse offers a viable solution to ensure a reliable water supply for future generations.
As El Paso Water continues its journey towards a more sustainable and resilient water future, the city serves as a beacon of hope for other communities grappling with water scarcity and climate change. By harnessing the power of technology, innovation, and community engagement, El Paso is leading the way towards a more sustainable water future for all.
