Published on March 24, 2026
EL PASO – An EPWater contractor has contained a wastewater spill at the John T. Hickerson Wastewater Treatment Plant in West El Paso that was first reported on Tuesday at 12:10 am. As part of an ongoing project at the Hickerson Plant, four contractor pumps failed, causing an estimated 670,000 gallons of wastewater to spill in the area. For context, that is equivalent to the volume of an Olympic-size pool. While most of the wastewater was contained at the plant, a minimal amount reached the mostly dry riverbed of the Rio Grande.
“We want to assure the public that this incident poses no immediate risk to health or safety. The affected area is not publicly accessible, the spill has been contained, and we are taking all necessary steps to address the situation and work with the contractor to assess environmental impacts and take appropriate remediation actions,” said Gilbert Trejo, Vice President of Operations and Technical Services.
It is important to note that Elephant Butte Reservoir has not released water downstream yet this year, and the utility’s river water treatment plants are not currently in operation. As a result, there is no risk to the region’s surface water supply. Wastewater service was not interrupted and remains in operation for the service area in West El Paso.
The contractor worked in coordination with EPWater operations and plant personnel to quickly implement containment measures, including the construction of berms to limit the spread of wastewater beyond the plant perimeter. The spill has since been fully contained. The contractor is taking responsibility for the incident and is actively working to complete necessary repairs, mitigate environmental impacts, and conduct cleanup efforts. EPWater employees are on site to ensure plant operations remain stable and the workplace is safe.
The affected area is inaccessible to the public, and there is no immediate risk to public health or safety.
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 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 Ruben Rodriguez, Chief Water Quality Compliance Officer at (915) 238-5050.
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