#United States #El Paso #El Paso Water #Pure Water Center #water reuse

El Paso Water Breaks Ground on Groundbreaking Facility

El Paso Water (EPWater) has initiated construction on the Pure Water Center, officially breaking ground on what is set to be the nation’s first direct-to-distribution water reuse facility. This innovative project aims to produce an astonishing 10 million gallons of clean drinking water per day and is a response to increasing water challenges facing communities nationwide.

New Name, Same Commitment

Previously known as the Advanced Water Purification Facility, the venue’s new title reflects a strong commitment to sustainable practices and providing high-quality drinking water to the El Paso community. The groundbreaking event, held on February 28, 2025, brought together key local, state, and federal leaders, signifying a milestone in collaborative efforts for water resource sustainability.

John Balliew, President and CEO of EPWater, expressed pride in launching this important project, stating, “After years of planning, design, and rigorous quality testing, we are thrilled to start construction on the Pure Water Center. This facility will not only ensure resource efficiency but also set a precedent for other cities working toward water sustainability.”

Advanced Water Purification Techniques

The Pure Water Center will utilize treated water sourced from the Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant. Currently, this water is mainly used for irrigation and is discharged into the Rio Grande. The purification process at the new facility is multi-faceted, involving membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet light treatment with advanced oxidation, granular activated carbon filtration, and chlorine disinfection. This multi-stage approach guarantees that the water exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.

“EPWater’s Pure Water Center exemplifies groundbreaking innovation in water reuse,” stated Sanaan Villalobos, Vice President and Project Manager at Carollo Engineers. “Being the nation’s inaugural direct-to-distribution potable reuse facility reflects EPWater’s commitment to not just meet but exceed the water needs of its community.”

The Impact of Partnerships

The construction will be executed by the collaborative efforts of the PCL/Sundt Joint Venture, a prominent partnership that fosters high standards in building critical water infrastructure. “Partnering with EPWater for this transformative endeavor allows us to play a pivotal role in securing a resilient water future for the region,” highlighted Ankur Talwar, District Manager for PCL. This partnership exemplifies how essential teamwork can drive ambitious projects in the infrastructure field.

Community Engagement and Education

An equally significant feature of the Pure Water Center is a state-of-the-art visitor center designed to educate residents about water sources, supplies, and environmental conservation. EPWater is dedicated to fostering a community understanding of its systems and the importance of sustainable water management.

Funding and Future Vision

The funding for this ambitious project includes significant support from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which allocated $3.5 million for initial design and an additional $20 million for construction. The total estimated cost of the facility is approximately $295 million, with EPWater actively pursuing further funding avenues. The completion of construction is projected for 2028, aligning with the company’s vision of sustainable water solutions for future generations.

This groundbreaking event marks a pivotal moment not only for El Paso but also for water reuse practices across the nation. As communities continue to grapple with water scarcity, the Pure Water Center stands as a beacon of hope and innovation for sustainable resource management.

Conclusion

With the launch of the Pure Water Center, El Paso Water is paving the way for a future where water shortages can be effectively addressed through innovation and community engagement, setting a new benchmark for water resilience in the United States. #InnovativeWaterSolutions #Sustainability #ElPasoWater