EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Water will begin its seasonal transition to treating Rio Grande water this week, a shift the utility says helps meet higher summer demand while preserving the region’s groundwater resources.
EPWater stated that as river water reaches customers, some residents may notice temporary changes in the taste or odor of their drinking water; however, the utility company stressed the water is safe to drink and continues to meet federal and state drinking water standards.
“Providing safe, high-quality drinking water is our highest priority,” said Gilbert Trejo, vice president of operations and technical services. “As river water moves through the utility’s network of pipes and storage tanks, it may take several weeks for the system to fully adjust to the seasonal change in water source.”
EPWater said that during periods of extreme heat, naturally occurring algae in the Rio Grande may become more active, which can occasionally cause slight changes in taste or odor. When that happens, the utility adjusts its treatment processes to address the changes while maintaining water quality and safety.
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To ensure a safe water supply, EPWater said it uses chlorine to disinfect drinking water.
River water is a key part of El Paso’s long-term water management strategy, EPWater said, because using the Rio Grande reduces reliance on groundwater and helps preserve local aquifers for future generations.
EPWater said it operates under strict federal and state regulations, following standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and oversight from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
People with questions about water quality can contact the EPWater International Water Quality Laboratory at 915-594-5733.
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