Published on April 6, 2026

EL PASO – EPWater has contained a wastewater spill that occurred along the 10600 block of Railroad Drive in Northeast El Paso on April 6. The spill was first reported at approximately 6:30 a.m. Crews are working to drain the 30-inch wastewater line to assess the break and begin repairs.

An estimated 950,000 gallons of wastewater spilled in the area, most of which was contained in an undeveloped area not accessible to the public. Crews have begun clean-up and disinfection efforts along the shoulder of the northbound lanes of Railroad Drive, between S. Angora Loop Avenue and Oates Drive. Water and wastewater services are not impacted. The public drinking water supply is not at risk.

EPWater has reported the incident to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and will continue to work closely with the agency to assess any environmental impacts and determine appropriate remediation actions. The cause of the break is under investigation.

“Public safety is our priority, and our team took the appropriate measures to immediately clear the area of any standing wastewater,” said Gilbert Trejo, Vice President of Operations and Technical Services.

The following is required language from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a wastewater discharge event of this size:

Although it was determined that the public water supply was not affected, EPWater customers or persons who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.

Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.

The public should avoid contact with wastewater or soil in the area affected by the discharge. If contact is made, it is advised to bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible. For customers who have questions about the wastewater spill, please contact Martin Noriega, Utility Chief Operations Officer at 915-621-2085.