EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — As heavy rains and flooding continue to threaten the Borderland, below is information on sandbag distribution sites that could help you protect your home or business.
El Paso WaterStormwater Operations Center
4801 Fred Wilson Ave.
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.Artcraft Booster Station
7830 Paseo Del Norte
Noon to 8 p.m. Blackie Chesher Park
9292 Escobar Drive
Noon to 8 p.m.
To pick up sandbags, the utility company is asking people to have a valid ID ready or bring an EPWater bill.
There is a limit of 10 sandbags per customer.
On Monday, EPWater sent out a statement to KFOX14/CBS4 regarding the limited sandbags, saying that due to the heavy rain, there has been an increase in demand for sandbags despite distributing more than 150,000 sandbags.
“The unusually heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Polo has created widespread impacts and extraordinary demand for sandbags, personnel, and water-extraction requests. EPWater has distributed more than 150,000 sandbags this monsoon. To address the recent surge in demand, EPWater hired contractors who produced 5,000 additional sandbags from Thursday through Saturday and is working to secure more sandbags. Availability at distribution sites cannot be guaranteed and will depend on delivery times and continuing demand. A 40-member Stormwater crew, supported by 68 additional utility employees, worked extended hours to remove standing water throughout the city using 14 water-extraction trucks. Since last week’s storms, crews have completed 103 water-extraction requests and removed more than 500,000 gallons of water. Crews continue clearing debris from stormwater inlets, monitoring areas affected by recent flooding and inspecting pump stations to ensure they are operational,” an EPWater spokesperson said.
Paulina Carr reports on Sandbag distribution sites open in El Paso (Credit: KFOX)
RECOMMENDED: Weather Warn Issued Monday Through Wednesday for Heavy Rain & Flooding
El Paso County
El Paso County Sheriff’s Office posted the following sandbag distribution sites on social media.
Canutillo
191 Canutillo Ave.Montana Vista
14698 Van Ln.
The County said the sandbags are free and the sites will be open 24 hours a day.
There is a limit of five sandbags per household.
Also, to report flooding in rural areas, the Sheriff’s Office is asking people to call 915-273-3330.
Many residents were in line to get sandbags.
“Last year we got about five; I need three for the front and three for the back,” said Yolanda Cordero.
“I need them for a door. We need to put the sandbags on the door to keep water from coming in when it rains,” said another El Pasoan.
“I’m going to put the sandbags in the area where water flows down because the rain is coming again, and I’m going to get flooding again,” said Gerardo Perez.
“On my skateboard, ima go get a sandbag. I was going to the store, but ima go get a sandbag because of the water,” said Jody Gonzalez.
RECOMMENDED: El Pasoans pick up free sandbags after heavy rain; sites open through Oct. 4
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