EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“This project is going to help remove about 600,000 from the floodplain,” said Jorge Lopez, Capital Improvement Project Manager with EP Water.<\/p>\n
Lopez said the goal is to intercept the water flowing from the Franklin Mountains and stop it from moving downstream into the homes.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Construction on the project began in early 2025. <\/p>\n
EP Water said the first phase, which includes excavation of the pond, is expected to be completed this fall.<\/p>\n
The second phase will add an underground drainage system that will direct stormwater into the basin. <\/p>\n
The entire project is expected to be finished by 2029.<\/p>\n
Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso Water Will Ruth pond project<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Project costs have increased since construction was announced.<\/p>\n
Lopez said the total estimated cost is now about $60 million.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Will Ruth Pond Project receives funding to start construction<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Officials said rising material costs and design changes contributed to the higher price tag.<\/p>\n Those changes include adding a pump system that could remove standing water if it remains in the pond for an extended period after storms.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Engineers said the pond’s sandy bottom is designed to allow water to soak into the ground quickly, helping reduce standing water after storms.<\/p>\n Nearby residents said they are hopeful the project will help address flooding that has affected the area for years.<\/p>\n “I’m happy with it,” one resident said. “I hope they do everything they’re promising.”<\/p>\n EP Water said the project is intended to reduce flood risk but will not eliminate flooding.<\/p>\n Once completed, the site will also include a walking path, benches and landscaping for the surrounding community.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: El Paso Water to start Will Ruth Pond project to tackle flooding in the northeast<\/a><\/p>\n