Published on September 28, 2026

Utility secures additional sandbags as crews clear inlets and prepare for more heavy rain

Tropical moisture associated with Hurricane Polo has brought unusually heavy rainfall to El Paso, causing widespread impacts and extraordinary demand for sandbags, personnel and water extraction services.

“EPWater has significantly expanded its emergency storm response over the past week, with crews working after hours and through the weekend to remove standing water and clear stormwater inlets,” said Gisela Dagnino, EPWater’s chief stormwater operations officer.

El Paso Water has distributed more than 150,000 sandbags this monsoon season. To address the recent surge in demand, EPWater hired contractors who produced 5,000 additional sandbags from Sept. 24-26.

EPWater continues working with vendors to secure more sandbags during the rain event. Availability at distribution sites cannot be guaranteed and will depend on delivery schedules and continuing demand.

A 40-member Stormwater crew, supported by 68 other utility employees and nine contractors, worked extended hours to remove standing water throughout the city using 14 water extraction trucks. Since last week’s storms, crews have completed 103 requests for water extraction and removed more than 500,000 gallons of water.

Crews continue clearing debris from stormwater inlets, monitoring areas affected by recent flooding and inspecting pump stations to ensure they are operational.

“EPWater personnel and contractors remain prepared to respond with water extraction trucks and heavy equipment,” Dagnino said. “We also are coordinating with local emergency management agencies and closely monitoring National Weather Service forecasts.”

Residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their property during heavy rainfall:

• Never drive onto a flooded street. A few inches of water can stall a vehicle, and rapidly moving floodwater can sweep it away.
• Many El Paso streets are designed to convey stormwater. Take an alternate route when flooding is present and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Turn Around Don’t Drown.

Sandbags are available year-round at the EPWater Stormwater Operations Center at 4801 Fred Wilson Ave. Residents are encouraged to prepare in advance and obtain sandbags before heavy rain is forecast.