CANUTILLO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — County and federal officials gathered at Castro Ranch in Canutillo on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate what they said will be a life-changing milestone for families who have gone generations without reliable water and wastewater services.
El Paso County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Northwest Area 1 Water and Wastewater Project, a $14.7 million effort expected to bring first-time water and wastewater service to five colonias in the area.
The project was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar said many families in these communities previously relied on private wells, hauled water and septic systems.
RECOMMENDED: Lower Valley Water District cleaning sewer lines clogged with wipes in El Paso County
“So, this project helps hundreds of families with septic, but it also helps provide water hookups directly to families who used to have to get their water trucked in,” Escobar said.
The work includes new water lines, wastewater infrastructure and five new fire hydrants intended to improve safety in the area.
Emily Schmalz reports on Canutillo improving water and wastewater services.
Escobar said,
So, things that we take for granted, being able to turn on the shower, turn on the faucet, whatever we want. There are families in El Paso who did not have that fundamental basic infrastructure.
“There are still, unfortunately, thousands of El Pasoans in our community, in America, but with the wealthiest countries in the world who live without water or wastewater,” Escobar said.
RECOMMENDED: El Paso County seeks answers from DHS amid Socorro detention center concerns
“And the old septic system for many of these communities, neighborhoods and families really creates a health hazard,” Escobar said.
Escobar and county officials said they will continue working to provide sewer and clean drinking water for people in El Paso County who are still without service.
Sign up to receive the top interesting stories from in and around our community once daily in your inbox.