EL PASO – On Friday morning, El Paso Water, joined by state and county leaders, announced $14 million in secured funding to launch the Surface Water Augmentation Project at the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant in northwest El Paso. The investment marks a major step toward the utility’s ability to treat more river water and reduce groundwater pumping to sustainable levels. 

“I’d like to thank Senator Blanco for unlocking an opportunity and to our state partners for their leadership to help us fully utilize this river water resource for our customers,” said John Balliew, President and CEO of EPWater. “With this funding, we can begin the planning and design and get started with this new facility.”

State Senator Cesar Blanco and State Representatives Joe Moody and Mary Gonazlez were instrumental in securing bipartisan support during the legislative session to include this funding in the state budget.

“When it comes to water management, El Paso has adapted and led the way in water innovation and planning,” said Senator Blanco. “This project helps ensure we continue to diversify our water resources, and it provides a sustainable resource for future generations to come.”

The new plant will eventually treat up to 20 million gallons of water per day, supplementing EPWater’s two river water treatment plants, which together produce up to 100 million gallons of water per day. By shifting more production to river water, EPWater will help protect the Mesilla Bolson aquifer, preserving vital groundwater supplies for the future.