EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The number of residents affected by the water main break that happened Saturday evening has been reduced to 8,000 customer connections, totaling around 24,000 people in Northeast and Central El Paso without water, El Paso Water officials said on Tuesday.
Broken water main removed in Northeast El Paso, operation ongoing
A news conference was held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the El Paso Regional Communications Center in Northeast El Paso. Speakers included Gilbert Trejo, vice president of operations and technical services for El Paso Water; Ruben Rodriguez, chief water quality compliance officer; and Dr. Hector Ocaranza, El Paso City-County Health Authority.
Thousands impacted as El Paso Water estimates 72 hours for full restoration
On Monday evening, El Paso Water isolated and removed the damaged section of the pipe. Following on Tuesday, crews are installing and welding the new pipe segment. Once that is complete, the utility will transition from repairing to restoring service for customers. If conditions remain favorable, the utility said they expect service restoration overnight.
However, Trejo explained that after water service is restored, the boil water notice will remain in effect for the impacted area.
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As KTSM 9 News previously reported, the water main break happened at around 10 p.m. on Saturday near the intersection of Girl Scout Way and Transmountain, near Skyline Park. It impacted residents, schools, and businesses.
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Additionally, water distribution sites for those affected are still available for those affected.