Published on April 23, 2026

PASO — Based on engineering evaluations and advanced modeling, EPWater announced that the risk of a breach at Cement Lake Dam (also known as Portland Reservoir) has been reduced.

“While these efforts mark important progress, work remains ongoing and we will continue to closely monitor the site,” said President and CEO John Balliew. “Public safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate the public’s patience as crews complete this critical work safely.”

Crews continue the following operations at the site to further stabilize the dam:
• Water is being pumped out of the lake and into the Rio Grande.
• Lake levels have already been reduced by approximately two feet.
• Over 30 thousand tons of engineered dirt has been added to the perimeter to bolster the dam.
• Advanced modeling and ongoing risk assessments.

The following road closures remain in place as a precaution. Avoid closed roads and follow all traffic guidance. Based on the current pace of mitigation work, some roads are estimated to reopen tomorrow afternoon, pending further safety verification and risk assessments.
• Loop 375 east at Racetrack exit, Exit 65B
• Loop 375 west at Doniphan exit, Exit 65A
• Doniphan at Racetrack west/eastbound lanes
• Doniphan at Paisano west/eastbound lanes
• Sunland Park Dr. at Crockett
• McNutt at River Levee Rd.

EPWater will continue to collaborate with local agencies and provide regular updates as conditions evolve.