El Paso Water is working on repairs to a pair of damaged wastewater lines in west El Paso that were part of a pipeline replacement construction project. The first main break occurred Friday at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the 3900 block of Doniphan Park Cir. A second break occurred on a parallel pipeline at approximately 8:30 a.m. near the corner of Sunland Park and Doniphan Park. This combined event resulted in a discharge of an estimated 350,000 gallons of domestic wastewater, which was largely contained, disinfected, and diverted to a nearby pond. Clean-up efforts and repairs are underway. The area affected was along Sunland Park Dr. from Doniphan Park Circle to Doniphan Dr.
No water or wastewater services have been affected in the nearby area. The public drinking water supply was not impacted nor is it at risk. Westbound Sunland Park Dr. from Interstate 10 to Doniphan Park Circle will be reduced to one lane while crews make repairs through the weekend.
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 spill. If contact is made, it is advised to bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.
EPWater notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the appropriate local government officials, as required. Additionally, EPWater will work with the regional TCEQ office on any other necessary remediation requirements. If citizens have questions about the spill, they may contact Felipe Lopez, Chief Operations Officer at El Paso Water at 915-594-5530.