EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Officials with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office say work is being done to restore normal water service at the Downtown El Paso County Detention Facility after a water main break and a subsequent equipment issue disrupted service.
According to the sheriff’s office, the facility began experiencing water service problems Tuesday, July 14, after a City of El Paso water main break in the area. Although the water main has since been repaired, officials said the detention facility is dealing with a pressure regulator issue that continues to affect water service.
Sheriff’s officials said its Maintenance Division is actively working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Officials also addressed reports circulating about conditions inside the jail, saying claims that inmates are not being allowed to use the restroom or do not have access to drinking water are false.
According to the sheriff’s office, inmates have continued to use restrooms, and staff have been delivering water to housing areas to flush toilets as needed.
To address the ongoing disruption, portable restrooms have been brought in for staff, El Paso Water has delivered pallets of bottled water for inmates, and the sheriff’s office said it is working with the Texas Division of Emergency Management and other partners to secure additional water resources while repairs are completed.
“The safety and well-being of those in our custody and our staff remain our top priority,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that it appreciates the assistance of partner agencies as crews work to resolve the issue.
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