EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso Water said the largest stormwater pond in the utility’s history is taking shape, designed to reduce flooding in one of Northeast El Paso’s most flood-prone areas.
The Will Ruth Pond project, located near Will Ruth Avenue and Threadgill Avenue at the base of the Franklin Mountains, is meant to capture stormwater runoff before it reaches neighborhoods.
According to EP Water, the approximately 25-acre pond will be able to hold more than 100 million gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events.
“This project is going to help remove about 600,000 from the floodplain,” said Jorge Lopez, Capital Improvement Project Manager with EP Water.
Lopez said the goal is to intercept the water flowing from the Franklin Mountains and stop it from moving downstream into the homes.
“It’s going to be able to contain a little more than 100 million gallons of water once we have a heavy rain event,” Lopez said. “All the water that is coming from the mountains, we are trying to capture that here, and in that way, avoid flooding downstream.”
Construction on the project began in early 2025.
EP Water said the first phase, which includes excavation of the pond, is expected to be completed this fall.
The second phase will add an underground drainage system that will direct stormwater into the basin.
The entire project is expected to be finished by 2029.
Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso Water Will Ruth pond project
Project costs have increased since construction was announced.
Lopez said the total estimated cost is now about $60 million.
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EP Water also received a $5 million grant from the Texas Water Development Board to help fund the conveyance system that will move stormwater into the pond.
Officials said rising material costs and design changes contributed to the higher price tag.
Those changes include adding a pump system that could remove standing water if it remains in the pond for an extended period after storms.
“We were discussing the probability of installing a wet well,” Lopez said. “If the water stands more than three days or more than a week, we’re going to be able to pump the water out of the pond so we don’t have complaints from neighbors. That increased the price, plus the cost of materials went up.”
Engineers said the pond’s sandy bottom is designed to allow water to soak into the ground quickly, helping reduce standing water after storms.
Nearby residents said they are hopeful the project will help address flooding that has affected the area for years.
“I’m happy with it,” one resident said. “I hope they do everything they’re promising.”
EP Water said the project is intended to reduce flood risk but will not eliminate flooding.
Once completed, the site will also include a walking path, benches and landscaping for the surrounding community.
RECOMMENDED: El Paso Water to start Will Ruth Pond project to tackle flooding in the northeast
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