EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso Water says a major expansion at its Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the key factors behind a proposed rate increase that could raise the average customer’s monthly bill by about $10. <\/p>\n
The utility’s proposed 2026-2027 budget includes a 12% rate hike, which El Paso Water officials say is needed to help pay for infrastructure project, including ongoing work at the Bustamante plant. <\/p>\n
KFOX14 toured the facility Tuesday, where El Paso Water spokesperson Denise Parra said the project is one of the largest in the utility’s history. <\/p>\n
“This is one of the largest construction projects in El Paso Water’s history. It’s a $1.2 billon project, and this is why we are asking for a rate increase,” Parra said.<\/p>\n
Jordan Salas reports on El Paso Water says wastewater treatment plant expansion tied to proposed rate increase (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso Water’s proposed rate hike sparks community concern<\/a><\/p>\n According to El Paso Water, the Bustamante plant is the primary wastewater treatment facility for much of East El Paso and parts of the Lower Valley. Wastewater from homes and businesses flows to the plant to be treated before much of it is released into the Rio Grande and reused for agricultural purposes. <\/p>\n The utility says state environmental regulations require wastewater treatment plants to expand once they reach 75% of their permitted capacity. El Paso Water says Bustamante has reached that threshold, largely due to population growth and increased development on the East Side of El Paso. <\/p>\n “We were seeing the increased wastewater flows. We’ve seen the East Side expand, more housing developments, and that’s why tis expansion is needed,” Parra said. <\/p>\n Construction at the Bustamante plant is expected to continue through the end of the decade, with full completion projected around 2030, according to El Paso Water. <\/p>\n The proposed rate increase and budget will be reviewed by the utility’s Public Service Board, which is scheduled to hear the proposal Wednesday, Jan. 14. A decision could be made at that meeting. <\/p>\n