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Water plant professionals recognized for essential service [1]

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Date: 2025-06-05

A robust system of EPWater infrastructure delivers the healthy water that streams from faucets around the city.

Every year in May, the American Water Works Association recognizes Drinking Water Week to raise awareness about local water supplies. In addition, EPWater recently honored the dedicated employees who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure sustainable and high-quality water flows.

About 80 water professionals at four drinking water plants play a critical role in the safety and quality of El Paso’s drinking water.

At Jonathan Rogers Water Treatment Plant

First operational in 1993, the plant treats up to 60 million gallons a day of Rio Grande water to drinking water standards for the Mission Valley and East El Paso. This plant, along with the Robertson/Umbenhauer, operates during the irrigation season that can range from March to October.

Rogers Superintendent Mike Parker takes great pride in his team, especially when bringing the enormous facility back to life each season. The large site draws wildlife including geese, herons, fish, pelicans and ducks, who share space with the plant team.

Team members understand why they maximize every drop of river water, Parker says.

“We are trying to preserve groundwater resources, and that’s why surface water is so important,” Parker said. “We know our role.”

At Robertson/Umbenhauer Water Treatment Plant

In the middle of the historic Chihuahuita neighborhood since 1943, the Canal Plant led the utility’s first efforts to diversify the city’s drinking water supply.

Also known as the Robertson/Umbenhauer, the grandfather of the utility’s water plants can treat up to 40 million gallons a day of Rio Grande water to drinking water standards.

Superintendent Sal Morales praises his team for operating with foresight.

“They monitor storms in Las Cruces or the West Side,” Morales said. “It’s the same thing with power outages. The operators foresee what can happen so we could be on top of it.”

Morales pairs new employees with experienced operators for mentoring.

“They understand we are serving our families and friends, so we want to make sure we are sending out the best quality water,” Morales said.

Team members at the Jonathan Rogers Water Treatment Plant focus on maintenance before the start of irrigation season. The team learns more about a transformer that needs repair. Credit: Photo by El Paso Water.

At Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant

Operating since 2005, the plant removes naturally occurring arsenic from 21 groundwater wells in the Canutillo well field.

The plant treats up to 30 million gallons a day of groundwater from the Mesilla Bolson for blending with another 30 million gallons a day of untreated groundwater to produce safe drinking water for the Upper Valley, West Side, Canutillo, Vinton and Westway.

“We run 24/7, like the desalination plant, so we are a little more vigilant in making sure things stay up here,” Superintendent Ray Shay said. “It’s a joint effort to make sure everything gets done.”

At Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant

When the desalination plant opened its doors in 2007, EPWater’s reputation was sealed further as a water technology innovator. Capable of producing up to 27.5 million gallons a day, the plant in Far East El Paso transforms salty water into fresh drinking water.

Drawing international visitors, the facility is the world’s largest inland desalination plant. Desalination plays a critical strategic role, enabling growth in El Paso and Fort Bliss. When one resource is limited, the plant increases output to meet water needs, which is especially critical in times of drought or freeze.

Superintendent Hector Sepulveda said he is blessed to have a staff that is eager to learn and that embraces their commitment to public health.

“They don’t take what we do here lightly,” he said. “They have a responsibility for the community’s health and safety.”

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[1] Url: https://elpasomatters.org/2025/06/05/water-plant-professionals-recognized-for-essential-service/

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