U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 

Water Resources and Planning 

WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning 

El Paso Water Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant Reuse Study 

Funding Opportunity Announcement No. R23AS00076 | February 28, 2023 

Project Partners and Communities: El Paso County 

Application/Project Manager: Submitted To: 

El Paso Water Bureau of Reclamation 

Lisa Franklin Rosendorf Mail Services, 

Chief Communications and Attn: NOFO Team (MS 84-27133) 

Government Afairs Ofcer Denver Federal Center, 

1154 Hawkins Boulevard Bldg. 67, Rm. 152 

El Paso, Texas 79925 6th Avenue and Kipling Street 

lrosendof@epwater.org Denver, CO 80225 

Phone: 915.594.5669 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................1 

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PROJECT LOCATION......................................................2 

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION................................................3 

RESPONSES TO EVALUATION CRITERIA .............................................................5 

PROJECT BUDGET.............................................................................................. 17 

REQUIRED PERMITS AND APPROVALS.............................................................19 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE..............................................................20

ATTACHMENTS: 

LETTERS OF SUPPORT 

OFFICIAL RESOLUTION 

FORMS 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023 1 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

 

 

Technical Proposal 

Executive Summary 

DATE: February 28, 2023 

APPLICANT NAME: El Paso Water 

CITY/ COUNTY: El Paso, El Paso County 

STATE: Texas 

APPLICANT CATEGORY: Reuse 

The Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant (UVWTP), 

an arsenic treatment facility that draws its supply 

water from numerous groundwater wells, is owned 

and run by El Paso Water (EPWater). EPWater is 

seeking to investigate a water reuse solution to 

expand this facility to meet three objectives: 1) To 

meet growing demand for water supply in West El 

Paso; 2) to adjust groundwater use to limit impact 

to river fows managed by the Rio Grande Project; 

and 3) to provide relief to the Frontera Force Main 

sewer pipeline that currently collects and conveys all 

sewage on the west side of the city to the Hickerson 

Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Frontera Force 

Main (Frontera FM) sewer pipeline is similarly owned 

and run by EPWater. This large-diameter sewer line 

receives fow from northwest El Paso and is located 

close to the Rio Grande. Multiple catastrophic failures 

along the Frontera FM in 2022 led to a situation in 

which EPWater was discharging raw sewage into 

the Rio Grande for fve months with an estimated 

total discharge of 1 billion gallons. The pipeline 

has mostly been renovated, but it still poses a risk 

because of its proximity to the Rio Grande and the 

large volumes of wastewater that it transports. 

The Frontera FM is fueled by roughly 24 wastewater 

lift stations. As part of the project, treatment units 

would be installed at selected lift stations to treat 

the wastewater and then discharge the reuse 

water into an irrigation drainage canal called the 

Vinton Drain, which runs along the border of the 

UVWTP. Advanced treatment units would be added 

to the plant and the surface reuse water from the 

drain would be treated to drinking water quality 

standards and sent to the distribution system as a 

fresh water source to limit groundwater pumping 

and meet anticipated future demand brought on 

by local growth. By removing some portion of the 

wastewater fow from the Frontera FM, the project 

would also considerably lower the likelihood of a 

future wastewater spill event into the Rio Grande. 

Reuse water obtained from the wastewater lift station 

locations would also contribute to groundwater 

recharge through the unlined irrigation drain canal 

with some fows sent to the Keystone Heritage Park 

and Desert Botanical Gardens to enhance the habitat. 

El Paso Water is seeking fnancing for a feasibility 

study, alternatives analysis, preliminary design, 

and environmental impact studies, and compliance 

analysis activities, which would help EPWater better 

understand engineering options, environmental 

impacts and scope along with determining 

costs and benefts. The project planning phase 

will begin in November 2023 and conclude by 

November 2025. The design and construction 

would follow with estimated project completion 

in 2029. It is not believed that any federal lands 

are involved in the proposed project at this stage, 

but this will be confrmed during the study. 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023 2 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

The project boundary includes much of the northwest Project Location area of El Paso, Texas, as shown in the map. 

Wetlands 

Park 

Upper Valley 

Treatment Plant 

Hickerson WWTP 

Legend 

Water Treatment Plant 

Wastewater Treatment Plant 

Lift Station 

Rio Grande 

US/Mexico Border 
\

Technical Project 

Description 

Applicant Category and Eligibility: EPWater is 

seeking funding for Funding Group 1. EPWater is an 

eligible applicant because of their status as a local 

authority and location in the Western United States. 

Goals: EPWater wants to secure funds for a 

feasibility study, an assessment of the alternatives, 

a preliminary design, and environmental impact 

study with compliance anaylsis. The study would 

aid EPWater in better comprehending engineering 

alternatives, environmental efects, and project 

scope, as well as in calculating costs and benefts 

and coordinating federal and state funding prospects. 

The project's objectives are to provide reuse water 

for drinking water that will meet growing demand in 

West El Paso, delay groundwater importation, provide 

groundwater recharge through seepage, reduce 

groundwater pumping, and supply reuse water for 

wetlands areas. By lowering the possibility of a sewer 

line spill close to the river releasing raw sewage into 

the Rio Grande, the project will also help protect it. 

Approach: EPWater owns and operates the Upper 

Valley Water Treatment Plant (UVWTP), an arsenic 

treatment facility that obtains its water supply from 

multiple groundwater wells. EPWater seeks to limit 

the amount of groundwater used to supply this facility 

in order to preserve river fows managed by the Rio 

Grande Project. The plant was constructed with the 

intention of converting into a surface water treatment 

facility in the future by adding additional processes. 

EPWater also owns and operates the sewer pipeline 

known as the Frontera Force Main (Frontera FM). 

This large-diameter sewer line receives fow from 

northwest El Paso and empties into the John T. 

Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility (Hickerson 

WRF). An estimated 1 billion gallons of raw sewage 

were discharged into the Rio Grande over the 

course of fve months in 2022 as a result of multiple 

catastrophic failures at the Frontera FM. The line has 

generally been replaced, but because it is the only 

sewage line that carries fow from the northwest 

to the Hickerson WRF along the Rio Grande, it still 

carries a risk of failing and spilling into the river. 

El Paso intends to examine the viability of reusing 

water by diverting wastewater fow from a series of 

lift stations that feed into the Frontera FM and treat 

the wastewater for discharge as surface water. The 

fuel for the Frontera FM comes from about 21 lift 

stations. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) treatment units 

would be constructed at each lift station to treat a 

portion of the wastewater fow prior to discharging 

it to an existing irrigation drain, the Vinton drain, 

located close to the UVWTP. Treatment equipment 

at the UVWTP would be upgraded so as to utilize 

recycled surface water from the Vinton drain as feed 

water, while simultaneously recharging groundwater 

through the unlined drain. To satisfy expected future 

demand driven by local growth, the water would be 

cleaned to potable standards and provide a fresh 

water source to more than ofset the reduction in 

groundwater extraction. The project would also 

signifcantly reduce the possibility of a future Frontera 

FM spill into the Rio Grande by diverting the majority 

of the wastewater fow from the sewer pipeline. Some 

reuse water from the MBR facilities would be routed 

to the Keystone Heritage Park and Desert Botanical 

Gardens to improve facility operations and enhance 

the ecosystem and habitat of the 52-acre park. 

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

-

MEMBRANE

BIO REACTOR

SCREENING

IN

OUT

REUSE

WATER

DISINFECTION

| An MBR gives high quality efuent in a small footprint 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication

EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

2

|

RAW WASTEWATER TREATMENT ~1.6mgd FACILITIES INSIDE 

EXISTING 

SEWER 

WASTE STREAM 

~0.6mgd 

RECLAIMED WATER TO LOCAL 

IRRIGATION/REUSE SYSTEM

~1mgd 

| Treatment will be provided at the wastewater source. 

NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

3 
Before moving into the design phase, the study 

intends to assess three key project elements: the 

siting and sizing analysis for the MBR treatment 

units, the routing study to supply reuse water to 

the UVWTP, and the alternatives analysis for the 

UVWTP treatment units. To establish where there is 

space for the MBR units to be placed and which lift 

stations give the maximum fow, the lift station fows 

and locations will be investigated. Many of the lift 

stations are located in residential neighborhoods 

and have limited space available. MBR units can 

be concealed to blend in with the appearance 

of a conventional home and can be ftted within 

extremely small footprints. After the wastewater 

is treated to surface water discharge quality, the 

solids will continue to fow in the existing sewer 

system to the Hickerson WRF. The routing analysis 

will examine the local open channel drain network 

and determine whether a system of pipelines and 

pumps would be required for some of the fow. 

The Keystone Heritage Park and Desert Botanical 

Gardens is located along the Frontera FM. The 

wetlands will be evaluated to determine if a portion 

of the reuse water can be sent to the wetlands to 

enhance the ecosystem. EPWater will collaborate 

with the owner of the Keystone Heritage Park, 

the City of El Paso, during the study phase. 

The treatment study will evaluate the existing 

UVWTP and the expected surface water quality that 

would be received at the plant. Diferent treatment 

Photo of the wetlands at 

Keystone Heritage Park 

The study phase will evaluate if reuse 

water can be sent to the wetland to 

enhance the habitat. 

and disinfection technologies will be evaluated 

to determine the best treatment train to provide 

high quality drinking water at the most economical 

price. The study will compare two treatment train 

alternatives. The frst concept would meet all 

treatment needs through advanced treatment. 

The additional treatment would consist of reverse 

osmosis, ultraviolet advanced oxidation, granular 

activated carbon and chlorine disinfection. The 

second concept would blend the reuse water 

with UVWTP infuent to demonstate a lower 

pathogen loading with blending. The treatment 

train would consist of treating the blended water 

with ultraviolet advanced oxidation, granular 

activated carbon and chlorine disinfection. 

El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 

1 (EPCWID#1) owns and operates the irrigation 

structures, including the drains, within the project 

area. EPWater has a long, successful history or 

collaboration with EPCWID#1. The study phase 

will provide the opportunity for EPWater and 

EPCWID#1 to discuss conveyance of reuse water 

through the drains. This mutually benefcial plan 

will allow EPWater to convey reuse water to the 

UVWTP and will recharge groundwater through 

the unlined open-channel drains and provide 

additional maintenance and cleaning for the drains. 

Photo of the Vinton 

Drainage Canal 

The study phase will evaluate the 

multiple project areas involved in this 

study and recommend environmental 

compliance activities for the project. 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

4 
Responses to 

Evaluation Criteria 

EVALUATION CRITERION 1 – 

PROJECT PLANNING AND ANALYSIS 

Subcriterion 1a – Water recycling 

needs and opportunities 

1. Describe the problems and 

needs in the project area. 

The northwest area of El Paso is an area that is 

experiencing growth, and water demands will 

gradually increase in the coming decades. The 

UVWTP supplies year-round drinking water to the 

area and provides the best option for increasing 

capacity to serve the area. The Rio Grande Compact 

has been the subject of litigation for over nine years 

and deals with how the Bureau of Reclamation 

allocates water between Texas, New Mexico, and 

Colorado under the Rio Grande Compact. Much 

of the focus of the litigation is around the interface 

between groundwater pumping near the river 

and how that impacts the river. With this in mind, 

EPWater seeks to reduce groundwater pumping 

to limit the impact on Rio Grande fows. EPWater 

is seeking to reduce groundwater pumping by 

5,000-8,000 acre-feet per year . The plant will 

have unused capacity as a result yet will need 

to continue to meet current and future water 

demands. The utility also seeks to reduce the 

burden on the Frontera Force Main to reduce the 

risk of future wastewater spills into the river. 

2. Describe the current and 

projected water supplies and 

demands in the project area. 

The UVWTP services the Upper Valley and West 

Side of El Paso as well as the towns of Canutillo, 

Vinton, and Westway. The plant treats up to 30 million 

gallons per day and blends it with up to another 30 

million gallons per day using 21 groundwater wells 

in the Canutillo wellfeld within the Mesilla Bolson 

aquifer. The treatment removes naturally occurring 

arsenic in the water and produces fnished water 

with an arsenic concentration of 8 part per billion 

or less. EPWater obtains approximately nineteen 

percent of its water from the Mesilla Bolson and 

production, on average, is 25,000 acre-feet per 

year. Annual projected production from the UVWTP 

would increase from 25,000 acre-feet per year to 

36,355 acre-feet per year by the year 2070. When 

surface water allotments are available from the Rio 

Grande Project Water, the Robertson/Umbenhauer 

Surface Water Treatment Plant provides some of the 

drinking water supplied in the UVWTP supply area. 

3. Describe how the planning 

activities will investigate potential 

uses and markets for reclaimed or 

desalinated water (e.g., environmental 

restoration, fsh and wildlife, groundwater 

recharge, municipal, domestic, industrial, 

agricultural, power generation, and recreation). 

The planning eforts will explore several ideas for 

the reuse water supplied by this project which will 

be created at up to 17 locations within northwest 

El Paso. Most of the reuse water will be sent to the 

UVWTP as surface water through an existing drain 

canal. The water will be treated at the UVWTP to 

produce potable water which will enter the potable 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

5 
water distribution system and provide 

drinking water for the west and northwest 

part of El Paso, as well as the towns of 

Canutillo, Vinton, and Westway. As the water 

is delivered through the drain canal it will 

enhance the waterway by increasing the 

amount and quality of water in the canal that 

will beneft the fsh and wildlife. The reuse 

water in the unlined canal will also provide 

groundwater recharge for the Mesilla Bolson. 

The Keystone Heritage Park and Desert 

Botanical Garden is a 52-acre wetland owned 

by the City of El Paso and located in close 

proximity to the Frontera Wastewater Lift 

Station. The wetland is very important to the 

region. Even though it is small, it provides 

habitat for a large number of diverse species 

including 22 rare birds such as the YellowBreasted Chat, Cactus Wren, and Hooded 

Oriole. The wetland truly is a desert oasis 

for migrating bird species and local wildlife. 

The wetland also contains an archaic 

archaeological site over 4,000 years old! The 

study will explore providing reuse water to the 

wetlands from the nearby lift station. As each 

of the 24 lift station sites are studied, the areas 

will be explored to determine if any additional 

opportunities exist for using the reuse water. 

Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant 

Vinton Drain 

Keystone

Heritage Park 

Frontera 

Lift Station 

Keystone Heritage Park 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

6 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

4. Describe the source water that will be 

considered for the project, including 

location, capacities, existing fows, 

treatment processes, and quantities 

of impaired water available to meet 

the new reclaimed, recycled, or 

desalinated water demands. 

The source water for the project consists of the 

fow from lift stations located in the Hickerson WRF 

service area. The lift stations collect wastewater from 

approximately 121,000 people, 1,650 commercial 

acres, and 330 industrial acres which total about 11 

million gallons per day annually. The lift stations are 

located throughout the northwest portion of El Paso 

as shown in the project location map on page 2. The 

study will determine which of the lift stations will be 

included in the project. Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) 

will be used to treat the wastewater fows at the lift 

station to the appropriate quality for discharge as 

surface water into the irrigation drain system. Each 

wastewater site will be analyzed to determine the 

appropriate size of MBR units, odor control treatment, 

and discharge of solids. As part of the study, the 

source water will be characterized at each site in 

order to design the appropriate treatment. Up to 11 

million gallons per day will be investigated to use 

for reuse water in this study. The project is seeking 

to make up for at least 4 to 7 million gallons per 

day of groundwater reduction anticipated in the 

settlement of the Rio Grande Compact Litigation. 

| Map Showing Proposed Southern Hudspeth County 

Groundwater Importation Project and the Proposed 

Diablo Farms Groundwater Importation Project 

Subcriterion 1b – Evaluation 

of project alternatives 

1. Describe the objectives that all 

alternatives will be designed to meet. 

What other water supply alternatives and 

project alternatives will be investigated? 

All alternative projects will be designed to meet 

the objectives of providing at least 4 to 7 million 

gallons per day of potable water as well as reducing 

the risk of a wastewater spill into the Rio Grande 

from the Frontera FM. The study project will be 

compared against 1) groundwater importation from 

Southern Hudspeth County; 2) importation and 

desalination of groundwater from Diablo Farms, and 

3) no action. The water importation projects have 

appeared in the State Water Plan recommended 

project lists and will both provide the required 

amount of water but they will require importing 

the water a great distance as well as treatment. 

The Southern Hudspeth County Groundwater 

Importation Project consists of the construction of 

a well feld and water treatment plant in an area 

northeast of Fort Hancock, Texas. An average of 

3,000 acre-feet per year (10,000 acre-feet per year 

during drought conditions) would be transported 

via a new 64-mile long pipeline to Clint, Texas, 

where it would connect to EPWater’s distribution 

system. Other infrastructure needs associated 

with the project are a treatment facility, pump 

stations, and storage tanks. Total capital costs of 

this alternative are estimated to be $183,742,500. 

The Diablo Farms Groundwater Importation Project 

would be constructed on EPWater-owned property 

straddling the Hudspeth and Culberson county line 

that lies above the Capitan 

Reef Complex Aquifer. A 

new 95-mile long pipeline 

would deliver the water to 

Clint, Texas, where it would 

connect to EPWater’s water 

distribution system. The 2016 

feasibility study estimated 

the cost of the Diablo Farms 

alternative to be $300,551,000. 

However, based on the 2021 

Region E State Water Plan, 

those costs have increased 

signifcantly to $569,357,000. 

The project could supply up 

to an estimated 10,000 acrefeet per year. Total dissolved 

solids (TDS) can range from 850 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

7 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

to 1,500 mg/L. For this project, desalination may be 

required, especially if pumping allows more brackish 

water to intrude on fresh water supplies over time. 

Both of the alternative projects would bring the 

new water source to the east side of El Paso and 

would still need to be pumped to the other side of 

town to make up for the loss of water within that 

distribution area. Neither of the alternatives reduces 

the risk of a sewage spill from the Frontera FM. 

The study project itself has several alternatives that will 

be investigated. Types of MBR treatment alternatives 

will be considered at each lift station site. Conveyances 

alternatives will be considered to transfer the reuse 

water from the lift station sites to the UVWTP. Treatment 

technologies will be considered to treat and disinfect 

the surface water at the UVWTP before it is conveyed to 

potable water customers using the existing distribution 

system. The project is in its beginning stages and there 

have been no studies conducted to date and therefore 

no reliable cost data is yet available but construction 

cost is expected to be in the range of $150 million. 

2. Describe how the planning activities 

will develop project alternatives that 

have been or will be investigated. 

(water supply sources, reuse strategies, 

or treatment technologies) 

The planning processes will aid in determining 

which lift stations will be chosen from the service 

region for the project to treat the fows and provide 

reuse water. The proximity of residential areas, the 

footprint needed for treatment systems, the simplicity 

of transporting reused water to the UVWTP, and 

the amount of fow available will all be taken into 

consideration when choosing the lift stations for the 

project. After the lift stations are selected, individual 

sizing and treatment options will be developed for 

each site. The study will compare implementing MBR 

technologies along with bioreactor basins, membrane 

tanks, and clean-in-place facilities and disinfection. If 

the lift stations are located in residential areas, MBR 

treatment facilities might be built to resemble homes 

and innovative odor control including bioscrubbers, 

carbon adsorption, and biofltration will be considered. 

Conveyance routes from the selected lift stations 

to the UVWTP and other reuse sources will be 

developed. The fnal conveyance segment to the 

UVWTP will consist of open channel fow in an 

irrigation ditch, but other conveyance means, including 

pressure fow may need to be developed as well. 

Finally, the additional treatment units necessary for the 

UVWTP to treat surface water in combination with the 

groundwater it already treats for arsenic removal will 

be determined. The study will compare two treatment 

train alternatives. The frst concept would meet all 

treatment needs through advanced treatment. The 

additional treatment would consist of reverse osmosis, 

ultraviolet advanced oxidation, granular activated 

carbon and chlorine disinfection. The second concept 

would blend the reuse water with UVWTP infuent to 

demonstate a lower pathogen loading with blending. 

The treatment train would consist of treating the 

blended water with ultraviolet advanced oxidation, 

granular activated carbon and chlorine disinfection. 

3. Provide a general description of the 

selected project including project 

features, benefts, anticipated 

costs, and analyses conducted. 

The anticipated project consists of adding advanced 

treatment such as MBRs at existing lift stations within 

the Hickerson WRF service area. The water would 

be treated to the appropriate standard to discharge 

as surface water into an existing unlined irrigation 

drain canal. The water would then be conveyed to the 

UVWTP. The UVWTP currently treats groundwater for 

arsenic removal but it was designed to eventually be 

converted into a surface water treatment plant. The 

appropriate advanced treatment would be installed at 

the plant to treat the surface water in combination with 

groundwater. The treated water would be blended 

with additional groundwater and discharged into the 

potable water distribution system. The project will 

enable EPWater to reduce groundwater pumping to 

reduce impact to Rio Grande fows. Some of the reuse 

water would be sent to the Keystone Heritage Park 

and Desert Botanical Garden to enhance the wetlands 

and related ecosystem on the site. Finally, wastewater 

converted to reuse water would decrease the fow 

in the Frontera FM which will signifcantly reduce the 

risk of accidental discharge into the Rio Grande. 

The project is in its infancy and was a solution 

identifed as a result of two recent events: 1) Rio 

Grande Compact litigation that has had fndings that 

pumping of groundwater near the river is impacting 

the Rio Grande fows; and 2) The accidental discharge 

of wastewater from the Frontera FM for a period of 

5 months resulted in approximately 1 billion gallons 

spilling into the Rio Grande. Although the pipeline has 

been repaired, the risk of an unintentional discharge 

remains considerable due to its proximity to the Rio 

Grande and the amount of wastewater it transports. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

8 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 

Task Name Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

NTP 

Feasibility Study 

Environmental and Cultural Resources Compliance 

Permitting Coordination 

Community Outreach/Stakeholder Collaboration 

Preliminary Design 

Preliminary Design 

Survey 

Design 

Construction 

11/1 

Preliminary Project Schedule 

Canutillo Well Field

EVALUATION CRITERION 2 – 

STRETCHING WATER SUPPLIES 

1. Describe the potential for the project 

to reduce, postpone, or eliminate the 

development of new or expanded 

non-recycled water supplies. 

This project will allow EPWater to postpone 

development of new non-recycled water supplies, 

such as increased local groundwater usage in the 

Hueco and Mesilla Bolsons, water importation, and 

groundwater desalination projects listed in the Texas 

Water Development Board (TWDB) 2022 Region E 

50-Year Water Plan. The project presents a solution 

to reduce the impact to surface and groundwater 

supplies during droughts and other climate change 

events afecting water supplies. It will allow EPWater 

to be less reliant on groundwater pumping in the 

Mesilla Bolson and reduce usage of Rio Grande 

Compact water. This project demonstrates ultimate 

water recycling: once pumped or diverted from its 

source, the water remains in the system. This water 

supply is sustainable as long as there is a resident 

community, or source, that needs water. EPWater 

plans to reduce pumping in the Canutillo Wellfeld 

to minimize impact on the river fows. This will 

reduce competition for Rio Grande Project water by 

ofsetting some groundwater with recycled water 

and increasing capacity through water reuse. 

2. Describe the potential for the project 

to alleviate pressure on existing 

water supplies and/or facilities. 

This project will alleviate pressure on EPWater's 

current water sources. EPWater follows a conjunctive 

use plan by balancing water from Reclamation’s 

Rio Grande Project water supplied by the river, two 

underground aquifers, and reclaimed water from 

its wastewater plants. The surface water allotment 

from Reclamation’s Rio Grande Project is the sole 

source of water used to operate the two surface 

water treatment plants. In a good year, EPWater can 

treat about 60,000 acre-feet of surface water with its 

existing facilities, which allows EPWater to use less 

groundwater during the surface water supply season. 

This project will conserve water from the region’s 

Mesilla aquifer by using an alternative raw water 

source. The project is a water reuse project; the 

water has already been used (after initial diversion 

from the Rio Grande or withdrawal from an aquifer) 

and is available to be used again. The amount of 

water produced by the project reduces the need 

to withdraw the same amount of water from the 

region’s aquifers and the Rio Grande and expansion 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

9 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

of capacity will be created as a result of reuse. The 

project will also alleviate pressure on Reclamation’s 

surface water allotments through the Rio Grande 

Project, which directly benefts Reclamation. 

3. Describe the potential for the 

project to make water available 

to address a specifc concern. 

Rio Grande Compact litigation has gone on for 

over nine years and deals with how the Bureau of 

Reclamation allocates water between Texas, New 

Mexico, and Colorado. At the heart of the case is 

how much groundwater pumping near the river 

impacts the river fows. With these concerns in mind, 

EPWater is seeking to reduce groundwater pumping 

by 5,000 to 8,000 acre-feet per year. The UVWTP 

will have unused capacity as a result of the reduced 

groundwater pumping and EPWater will have 

difculty meeting both current and future demands. 

This project will make water available to address this 

anticipated shortage and additional water to serve 

the growing population. Treatment will be provided 

at individual lift stations in the area surrounding 

the UVWTP in order to produce reuse water. 

The reused water will be transported as surface 

water to the UVWTP where additional advanced 

treatment will be provided to treat to drinking 

water quality. The water will then be delivered to 

customers using the existing distribution system. 

4. Describe the potential for the 

project to help create additional 

fexibility to address drought. 

During a severe drought, the Far West Texas 

Regional Planning Group has determined that the 

available surface water supply for El Paso County 

is only 10,000 acre-feet/year. With this project, 

EPWater will have a new alternative source of 

water. During times of drought and high demand 

in the summer months, the project will decrease 

dependence on surface water usage by supplying 

a new guaranteed water supply. The project will 

lessen the burden on the Mesilla aquifers by 

allowing the reduction of groundwater pumping. 

The project will be drought resistant and unafected 

by climatic conditions, unlike the Rio Grande supply 

which is highly impacted by drought conditions. 

EVALUATION CRITERION 3 – 

ENVIRONMENT AND WATER QUALITY 

1. Describe the potential for the 

project to improve the quality of 

surface water or groundwater. 

The project will treat wastewater to the appropriate 

level for discharge as surface water. The water will 

be discharged into an irrigation drain. Irrigation 

drains are used to drain or remove excess water 

from irrigated agricultural land. The irrigation water 

is supplied by the Rio Grande Project water. The 

irrigation drain is owned and operated by the El Paso 

County Water Improvement District No. 1 (EPCWID#1). 

Irrigation drain water is high in total dissolved solids 

(TDS) and because it drains from agricultural land it 

can have E. coli measurements. The reused water 

produced from the wastewater lift stations will be 

treated to a level that exceeds the quality of the 

drain water so that both the quality and quantity of 

water in the canal are improved by the project. 

2. Describe the potential for the project 

to improve efuent quality beyond 

levels necessary to meet State or 

Federal discharge requirements. 

For permitting of treated wastewater to the unlined 

irrigation drain which is typically dry much of the 

year within about 5 miles of the point of discharge, 

the drain would be designated as an unclassifed 

intermittent stream without perennial pools. Based 

on this classifcation, aquatic life use is minimal, and 

the applicable dissolved oxygen standard is 2.0 mg/L 

(24-hour average) and 1.5 mg/L (8-hour minimum). 

Expected efuent discharge water quality limits 

include 20 mg/L BOD, 4 mg/L DO, and TDS less 

than 6,000 mg/L. Advanced treatment processes 

such as MBRs are expected to produce efuent 

quality that far exceeds these minimum requirements 

based on classifcation of the receiving stream. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

10 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

3. Describe the potential for 

the project to improve fow 

conditions in a natural 

stream channel. 

By reducing the groundwater pumping 

near the Rio Grande, there is likely to be 

an increase in fows and fow conditions 

in the Rio Grande, beneftting the Rio 

Grande Project. The project will enhance 

fow conditions in a man-made canal that 

eventually fows into the Rio Grande. 

However, it is anticipated that most of 

the water that is put into the canal will 

eventually be removed and treated for 

drinking water use. It is anticipated that 

the project will also provide reused 

water the Keystone Heritage Park and 

Desert Botanical Gardens to enhance the 

wetlands, especially in times of drought 

when water at the wetlands is scarce. 

4. Describe the potential for 

the project to restore or 

enhance habitat for non-listed 

fsh and wildlife species. 

The project has the potential to enhance 

habitat for non-listed fsh and wildlife species. 

By providing surface water in the irrigation 

canal, EPWater is providing seasonal habitat 

to local resident and migratory species 

that may otherwise have difculty fnding 

water sources in the surrounding desert 

habitat. The irrigation drains contain water 

during and around irrigation season but can 

become dry during drought periods and 

when irrigation water is not being supplied. 

This project will produce a steady supply 

of water year-round. Besides bird species, 

many rodent and reptile species call the 

canal home. Additionally, reuse water will 

be provided to wetlands located at the 

Keystone Heritage Park and Desert Botanical 

Gardens. This year-round source of water 

will help in the Park’s mission to restore and enhance 

the wetlands and ensure the wetlands remains a prime 

habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife species, even 

in times of drought. The wetland area became almost 

completely dry in the summer of 2022 according the 

park staf. Most of the wildlife left from the habitat and 

did not return until sufcient water was present again. In 

discussing the project with Keystone Heritage staf, they 

voiced their enthusiasm for the possibility of receiving a 

year-round source of water. The water would be used to 

enhance features within the botanical gardens such as the 

arroyo streams and the small water features throughout. 

The reuse water would ensure that migratory birds always 

have a place to stop in their trip through the Chihuahuan 

desert because the pond area would always be present. 

Ome Perches works on a water 

feature at Keystone Heritage 

Park that would beneft from a 

constant reuse water supply. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

11 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

White-faced Ibis and Heron 

spotted at Keystone Heritage 

Park (photos coutesy of 

Nancy Swanson). 

5. Describe the potential for the 

project to provide water or habitat 

for federally listed threatened 

or endangered species. 

The project has the potential to provide water 

and enhance habitat for several federally listed 

threatened or endangered species. Project water 

will be transported in the Vinton and Nemexas Drain 

canals. The canals consist of brackish water drained 

from agricultural felds. The project water will increase 

the volume of water and improve the quality, resulting 

in an enhanced habitat. The drains are unlined 

earthen canals generally flled with vegetation. In 

reviewing the federally listed species in El Paso 

County, there are several which appear to favor this 

habitat. The White-Faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) is a bird 

that favors irrigated felds and will attend brackish 

and saltwater habitats. The Southwest Willow 

Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) is a bird that 

prefers habitat of thickets of cottonwood along desert 

streams. The Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii) is a 

bird that prefers agricultural felds during its migratory 

path. The desert pocket gopher (Geomys arenarius) is 

a small mammal that lives along the Rio Grande in the 

El Paso area and is common along irrigation ditches. 

The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is found in 

slow moving bodies of water in areas with 

cattail and dens in shallow vegetated water 

and is primarily found in El Paso. (Source: tpwd. 

texas.fov/gis/rtest/ February 14, 2023). 

Keystone Heritage Park is often visited by 

rare species. These include the “Black Bellied 

Whistling Duck”, “Common Golden Eye”, “Common 

Merganser”, “Surf Scooter”, “Merlin”, “American 

Bittern, and the “Virginia Rail.” A recent construction 

project temporarily routed stormwater fows to 

the wetlands. The stormwater fows improved the 

water quality of the wetlands which is naturally 

high in salinity. Keystone Heritage staf ofered 

anecdotal evidence that the additional water with 

increased quality brought more White-Faced 

Ibis to the site than they had ever seen before. 

They are excited about the opportunity to have a 

year-round water source and believe it will have 

immeasurable benefts to the habitat and wildlife. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

12 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

EVALUATION CRITERION 4 –DEPARTMENT 

OF THE INTERIOR PRIORITIES 

1. Climate Change 

Climate change and documented temperature 

increases are causing a number of drought 

conditions for regional sources. A temperature 

increase of several degrees is expected by the 

end of the century, which increases reservoir 

evaporation and causes annual snowmelt and runof 

to decline. Projected decreases in precipitation 

will increase the demand for irrigation water (EPA, 

What Climate Change Means for Texas, 8/2016). 

To address drought conditions, EPWater has 

historically relied on the conjunctive water supplies 

of groundwater and treated surface water. This 

project strengthens water supply sustainability to 

increase resilience to climate change by providing 

a new and completely sustainable source of water 

by providing drinking water from wastewater. 

Additionally, the project’s treatment technology has 

been cited as a solution to address likely drought 

problems, such as reduced precipitation and 

snowmelt that afect the Elephant Butte Reservoir's 

water levels. The project will replace groundwater 

pumping as well as surface water afected by 

drought. It will allow EPWater to reduce groundwater 

usage in both non-drought and drought years. 

2. Disadvantaged or 

Underserved Communities 

The project will serve a rural and economicallydisadvantaged community. EPWater's service area 

includes 95 percent of the population of El Paso 

County, including retail and wholesale customers. 

The water produced from this project will enter the 

distribution system and could supply customers 

in any part of the service area because of how 

interconnected the EPWater system is, although 

most of the water supplied by the UVWTP will go to 

the areas surrounding the plant including Anthony, 

Vinton, and Westway. The location of the project is 

on the far northwest side of El Paso County, which 

is proximate to underserved communities known as 

Colonias. Colonias are communities that may lack 

basic infrastructure and safe, sanitary housing. The 

fgure on the following page shows the location of 

colonias within the project area. The table below 

shows the characteristics of the Anthony, Vinton, and 

Westway communities. In Texas, a disadvantaged 

community is defned as a community with a median 

household income that is not greater than 75 

percent of the state's median household income. 

Therefore, a disadvantaged community would 

have an annual median household income of not 

more than $50,222 and includes Westway and 

Vinton. The median household income in El Paso 

County of $51,000 barely exceeds that amount. 

CommunityPopulationFamilies % belowPoverty LevelAnnual MedianHouseholdIncomeLimited EnglishSpeakingHouseholds% Disabled% WithoutHealthcare 

Vinton 2,684 17% $55,461 90% 11% 30% 

Westway 3,811 33% $28,673 61% 16% 24% 

Anthony 3,671 24% $43,182 32% 11% 20% 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

13 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

Anthony

Westway

Vinton

Homestead

Meadows

Socorro

Clint San 

Elizario

Fabens

Tornillo

Upper Valley Water 

Treatment Plant 

EPWater service area map 

with Colonia locations. 

Anthony 

Westway 

Vinton 

Homestead 

Meadows 

Socorro 

Clint

San 

Elizario 

Fabens 

Tornillo 

An estimated 20 percent of individuals live below the poverty 3. Tribal Benefts 

level in El Paso County (US Census Bureau). EPWater has 

secured grant funding for or assisted the County of El Paso 

with engineering and construction to provide Colonias and 

other disadvantaged community areas with water infrastructure 

or sewer services. These neighborhoods have benefted 

from Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), USDA 

Rural Development, TDA, NADBank, and other funding. 

The home of the Tigua tribe is 

located in the Lower Valley area 

of the city and county of El Paso. 

The Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo is a U.S. 

federally recognized Native American 

tribe and sovereign nation. The 

tribal community, known as “Tigua,” 

established Ysleta Del Sur in 1682. 

The population of the Pueblo is 

3,462 citizens and descendants. 

Water access and irrigation rights 

were frst guaranteed to the Tiguas 

in 1642, when Spain gave the Tiguas 

rights to irrigate Tigua lands and 

made these rights inviolate. Today, 

the Pueblo residents receive their 

drinking water from EPWater, which 

supplies water directly from its 

distribution system. The Tiguas have 

a direct connection to Reclamation 

because they hold surface water 

rights to Rio Grande Project Water, 

provided by Reclamation and 

supplied through El Paso County 

Water Improvement District No. 

1. The project reduces EPWater's 

dependence on Reclamation's 

provided surface water, which in 

turn helps Reclamation meet its 

obligations to other users such 

as the Tiguas. EPWater shares 

Reclamation’s commitment to uphold 

the Tiguas’ rights to irrigation and 

other water rights. As part of that 

commitment, this project will support 

the Tigua community by improving 

their water system reliability and 

increasing their water supply. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

14 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

EVALUATION CRITERION 5 – 

WATERSHED PERSPECTIVE 

1. Will the proposed project 

implement a regional or state 

water plan or an integrated 

resource management plan? 

The proposed project is relatively new in 

both terms of its need and the problems 

it helps to solve so it was not able to be 

included in the last state water plan update. 

EPWater plans to include the project in the 

next update to the Texas Water Development 

Board State Water Plan. The project does not 

implement one of the listed projects from the 

State Water Plan, but it does help to delay 

implementation of two of the listed projects 

which are both large-scale groundwater 

importation projects which include a 70-

mile pipeline and inland desalination. 

2. Will the proposed project 

help meet the water supply 

needs of a large geographic 

area, region, or watershed? 

EPWater is the designated lead planner for 

El Paso County and has the lead role in the 

Far West Texas (Region E) Planning Group. 

El Paso County’s population makes up 

97 percent of Region E’s total population. 

EPWater’s service area covers 95 percent 

of El Paso County’s population. EPWater 

serves a population of approximately 

865,000 through retail connections and 

wholesale water. El Paso shares the same 

water sources as the neighboring Ciudad 

Juarez, Mexico, which has an estimated 

population of over 1.5 million, and with 

portions of New Mexico. Using previously 

used water, this project will create an entirely 

new water supply. The project will supply 

5,000 to 8,000 acre-feet per year and will 

ofset a reduction in groundwater pumping 

and increase overall capacity at the plant 

to serve growing demand. This new supply 

will allow EPWater to reduce its reliance on 

groundwater. The bordering communities 

in New Mexico and Mexico rely on the 

same groundwater aquifer for their drinking 

water supply. As such, this project will 

beneft Juarez, Mexico; and areas of New 

Mexico by conserving shared resources. 

3. Will the proposed project promote 

collaborative partnerships to 

address water-related issues? 

Successful planning, design, and implementation of this 

project will require close collaborative partnerships with 

project stakeholders and EPWater is excited to begin this 

cooperative project as they persist in building relationships 

with agencies and community members. Stakeholders will 

include El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 

1 (EPCWID#1), the City of El Paso, Texas Commission of 

Environmental Quality, and the community. El Paso County 

Water Improvement District No. 1 (EPCWID#1) owns and 

operates the irrigation structures, including the drains, 

within the project area. EPWater has a long, successful 

history or collaboration with EPCWID#1. The study phase 

will provide the opportunity for EPWater and EPCWID#1 

to discuss conveyance of reuse water through the drains. 

This mutually benefcial plan will allow EPWater to convey 

reuse water to the UVWTP and will recharge groundwater 

through the unlined open-channel drains and provide 

additional maintenance and cleaning for the drains. EPWater 

will collaborate with the City of El Paso as the owner of 

Keystone Heritage Park and Desert Botanical Gardens 

as well as the Keystone Board and Keystone Advisors to 

determine the quantity, quality, and location of reuse water 

as well as developing educational kiosks for the park. 

The project will ultimately provide a means for EPWater 

to lessen groundwater pumping and do their part to work 

collaboratively with New Mexico and Colorado to share 

Rio Grande Project Water in a fair and equitable way. 

EPWater botanical garden display 

shows collaborative relationships. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

15 
Keystone Heritage Park employee Ester 

Juarez shows where permanent water source 

could be used to enhance park features. 

| EPWater news release updates 

public on Frontera FM response. 

4. Will the proposed project 

include public outreach and 

opportunities for the public 

to learn about the project? 

There are three main components to this 

project that EPWater plans to engage the 

public using various outreach events. 

1. The rupture of the Frontera FM and the 

resulting sewage spill into the Rio Grande was 

a widely covered news event, both locally 

and nationally. The EPWater Communications 

Department provided regular updates to 

the public to let them know how they were 

addressing the situation. EPWater would 

like to reduce the risk of a similar event with 

the Frontera FM happening in the future 

and they want the community to know they 

are addressing the problem and protecting 

their river. This project will help reduce the 

risk and EPWater plans to share news of this 

innovative project as they move through the 

study, design, and construction phases. 

2. Bringing reuse water to the Keystone Heritage Park 

Wetlands will provide many opportunities to engage 

the public and provide educational experiences 

in the park. The educational kiosks to be used in 

the park will be developed throughout the study 

and design period in collaboration with Keystone 

Heritage Park Wetlands. The kiosks will explain 

the natural water cycle and the urban water cycle 

and how we help to enhance our environment 

with human interactions to the one water cycle. 

3. EPWater plans to begin reaching out to the public 

when they begin the study phase of the project to 

receive input from the communities around the lift 

stations where treatment will occur. Many of the 

lift stations are located in residential areas. The 

community will be engaged in order to explain the 

innovative project and how their wastewater will 

be treated to reuse water right in their community. 

The community will be engaged to provide input 

on design elements such as aesthetics. For 

instance, residential area may want the treatment 

facilities designed to ft into the neighborhood. 

4. This project will enable more positive engagement 

with New Mexico stakeholders. The Rio Grande 

Compact litigation has focused signifcantly on 

New Mexico groundwater pumping near the river, 

but with this project, Texas has the ability to show 

it too is vested in solutions that that protect Rio 

Grande fows and the overall Rio Grande Project. 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

16 
Project Budget 

FUNDING PLAN AND LETTERS OF COMMITMENT 

EPWater’s cash and in-kind contributions will be provided from revenues 

from current year budget FY 2023-24 and from the proposed future Capital 

Improvement Project (CIP) budgets. If the project is deemed successful and 

passes the feasibility and study phases, this project will replace a wastewater 

treatment plant that is planned for in the 2025 CIP budget. The design and 

construction budget for the planned wastewater treatment plant should be 

sufcient for this project and additional funds may be planned for as appropriate. 

BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY, PRELIMINARY 

DESIGN, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PHASES 

CONTRACTS 

CONTRACTOR NAME 

DESCRIPTION OF 

SERVICES COST 

DESCRIPTION OF COST 

ESTIMATE 

TBD 

TBD 

TBD 

TBD 

Feasibility Study to 

obtain a congressionally 

authorized project 

Environmental and 

cultural resources study 

and compliance 

Planning – conceptual 

design and regulatory 

coordination 

Community outreach 

eforts during planning 

phase to assist 

EPWater staf 

$500,000 

$150,000 

$1,300,000 

$50,000 

Estimate is based 

on similar projects 

conducted by EPWater. 

Estimate is based 

on similar projects 

conducted by EPWater. 

Estimate is based 

on similar projects 

conducted by EPWater. 

Estimate is based on 

similar early outreach 

eforts conducted 

by EPWater for the 

AWPF project. 

BUDGET NARRATIVE 

Contract Narratives: 

Consultants will be hired to conduct the feasibility study, environmental compliance study, 

preliminary design and regulatory coordination and community outreach assistance. Cost 

estimates are based on similar recent contracts that EPWater has procured and negotiated. 

Feasibility Study Contract – An engineering frm will be selected using a qualifcationsbased procurement method and the proft will be negotiated as a separate element 

of the price. EPWater allows at most a 10 percent proft on study phase projects. The 

selected consultant will prepare a feasibility study to meet USBR requirements. 

Environmental & Cultural Resources EIS and Compliance Study Contract – An environmental 

engineering frm will be selected using a qualifcations based procurement method and 

the proft will be negotiated as a separate element of the price. EPWater allows at most a 

10 percent proft on environmental compliance projects. The selected consultant 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

17 
Preliminary Design & Permit Coordination Contract – An engineering frm will be selected 

using a qualifcations-based procurement method and the proft will be negotiated as a 

separate element of the price. EPWater allows at most a 12 percent proft on design projects. 

The selected consultant will develop a preliminary design for the project including but 

not limited to: selection of treatment technologies, wastewater lift station site selections 

for reuse, routing analysis, survey, cost estimate, and regulatory coordination. 

Community Outreach Contract – A communications frm will be selected using the appropriate 

procurement method to assist with community relations, community outreach, and public involvement. 

The frm will be used to supplement the work of EPWater communications staf. The frm will 

assist with public meetings, and may lead survey eforts and assist in preparing media briefs. 

Construction Costs – This study will develop the expected construction costs after the 

project is defned during the feasibility and preliminary design phases by the consultant 

selected for the Preliminary Design contract. At the current pre-planning level of the 

project, EPWater estimates that the project will be in the range of $150 million. 

BUDGET SUMMARY 

Figures in this summary table are calculated from entries made in subsequent 

categories, only blank white cells require data entry. 

6. Budget Object 

Category 

Total Cost Federal Estimated 

Amount 

Non-Federal 

Estimated Amount 

a. Personnel $0 

b. Fringe Benefts $0 

c. Travel $0 

d. Equipment $0 

e. Supplies $0 

f. Contractual $2,000,000 

g. Construction $0 

h. Other Direct Costs $0 

i. Total Direct Costs $0 

i. Indirect Charges $0 

Total Costs $2,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 

Cost Share Percentage 50% 50% 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

18 
Required Permits or 

Approvals

This project will require close and careful coordination with regulatory 

agencies throughout the planning and design of the project. The Texas 

Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state's regulatory 

agency that oversees permitting and compliance for all municipal drinking 

water supply and treatment facilities. TCEQ will be engaged early on in the 

process to make sure the permit processes are followed. At this early stage 

in the planning process it is assumed that EPWater will require either a major 

amendment to the UVWTP permit or a new permit because the plant will be 

converted from a groundwater treatment to surface water treatment plant. 

Regulatory milestones for new surface water treatment plants are as follows: 

 Source water characterization 30 TAC 290.41. 

 Pilot testing any innovative technologies 

per 30 TAC 290.42(g). 

 Submittal of a Preliminary Engineering Report. 

 Provision of a UV validation study if UV is used 

to achieve pathogen inactivation credits. 

 Concentration-Time (CT) Study submittal. 

 Provision of Corrosion Control Study. 

 Final Engineering Report, Plans, and 

Specifcations submittal. 

 Full Scale Verifcation Test (FSVT) submittal. 

 Submittal of the FSVT report. 

 Submittal of standard operating procedures 

and training documentation. 

 Submittal of fnal alarm and shutdown triggers with 

required action and communication protocols. 

 Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

(TPDES) permit application if plant residuals 

are discharged to surface water. 

 210 authorization for reclaimed water diversion. A 

discharge permit will likely be required to discharge 

treated reuse water into the irrigation drain. An 

authorization to reuse reclaimed water will be required. 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

19 
EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

and Desalination Planning

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023

Confict of Interest 

Disclosure 

No potential confict of interest exists with this application. 

B:\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO AWPFTitleXIVApp0223_v4 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project 

Narrative 

Applicant Category and Eligibility: EPWater is 

seeking funding for Funding Group 1. EPWater is 

an eligible applicant because of its status as a 

local authority and location in the Western United 

States. 

Goals: EPWater wants to secure funds for a 

feasibility study, an assessment of the 

alternatives, a preliminary design, and 

environmental impact study with compliance 

anaylsis. The study would aid EPWater in better 

comprehending engineering alternatives, 

environmental effects, and project scope, as 

well as in calculating costs and benefits and 

coordinating federal and state funding 

prospects. The project's objectives are to 

provide reuse water for drinking water that will 

meet growing demand in West El Paso, delay 

groundwater importation, provide groundwater 

recharge through seepage, reduce groundwater 

pumping, and supply reuse water for wetlands 

areas. By lowering the possibility of a sewer 

line spill close to the river releasing raw sewage 

into the Rio Grande, the project will also help 

protect it. 

Approach: EPWater owns and operates the 

Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant (UVWTP), an 

arsenic treatment facility that obtains its water 

supply from multiple groundwater wells. EPWater 

seeks to limit the amount of groundwater used to 

supply this facility in order to preserve river flows 

managed by the Rio Grande Project. The plant 

was constructed with the intention of converting 

into a surface water treatment facility in the 

future by adding additional processes. EPWater 

also owns and operates the sewer pipeline known 

as the Frontera Force Main (Frontera FM). 

This large-diameter sewer line receives flow from 

northwest El Paso and empties into the John T. 

Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility (Hickerson 

WRF). An estimated 1 billion gallons of raw 

sewage were discharged into the Rio Grande over 

the course of five months in 2022 as a result of 

multiple catastrophic failures at the Frontera FM. 

The line has generally been replaced, but because 

it is the only sewage line that carries flow from the 

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023 

northwest 

to the Hickerson WRF along the Rio Grande, it still 

carries a risk of failing and spilling into the river. 

El Paso intends to examine the viability of reusing 

water by diverting wastewater flow from a series 

of lift stations that feed into the Frontera FM and 

treat the wastewater for discharge as surface 

water. The fuel for the Frontera FM comes from 

about 21 lift stations. Membrane bioreactor (MBR) 

treatment units would be constructed at each lift 

station to treat a portion of the wastewater flow 

prior to discharging it to an existing irrigation 

drain, the Vinton drain, located close to the 

UVWTP. Treatment equipment at the UVWTP 

would be upgraded so as to utilize recycled surface 

water from the Vinton drain as feed water, while 

simultaneously recharging groundwater through 

the unlined drain. 

To satisfy expected future demand driven by local 

growth, the water would be cleaned to potable 

standards and provide a fresh water source to 

more than offset the reduction in groundwater 

extraction. The project would also significantly 

reduce the possibility of a future Frontera FM spill 

into the Rio Grande by diverting the majority of the 

wastewater flow from the sewer pipeline. Some 

reuse water from the MBR facilities would be 

routed to the Keystone Heritage Park and Desert 

Botanical Gardens to improve facility operations 

and enhance the ecosystem and habitat of the 52-

acre park. 

Before moving into the design phase, the study 

intends to assess three key project elements: the 

siting and sizing analysis for the MBR treatment 

units, the routing study to supply reuse water to 

the UVWTP, and the alternatives analysis for the 

UVWTP treatment units. To establish where there is 

space for the MBR units to be placed and which lift 

stations give the maximum flow, the lift station flows 

and locations will be investigated. Many of the lift 

stations are located in residential neighborhoods and 

have limited space available. MBR units can 

be concealed to blend in with the appearance of a 

conventional home and can be fitted within 

extremely small footprints. After the wastewater 

is treated to surface water discharge quality, the 

solids will continue to flow in the existing sewer 

system to the Hickerson WRF. The routing analysis 

will examine the local open channel drain network 

and determine whether a system of pipelines and 

EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO 

1 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pumps would be required for some of the flow. 

The Keystone Heritage Park and Desert Botanical 

Gardens is located along the Frontera FM. The 

wetlands will be evaluated to determine if a 

portion of the reuse water can be sent to the 

wetlands to enhance the ecosystem. EPWater will 

collaborate with the owner of the Keystone 

Heritage Park, the City of El Paso, during the 

study phase. 

The treatment study will evaluate the 

existing UVWTP and the expected surface 

water quality that would be received at the 

plant. Different treatment and disinfection 

technologies will be evaluated to determine 

the best treatment train to provide 

high quality drinking water at the most 

economical price. The study will compare two 

treatment train alternatives. The first concept 

would meet all treatment needs through 

advanced treatment. 

The additional treatment would consist of 

reverse osmosis, ultraviolet advanced oxidation, 

granular activated carbon and chlorine 

disinfection. The second concept would blend 

the reuse water with UVWTP influent to 

demonstrate a lower pathogen loading with 

blending. The treatment train would consist of 

treating the blended water with ultraviolet 

advanced oxidation, granular activated carbon 

and chlorine disinfection. 

El Paso County Water Improvement District 

No. 1 (EPCWID#1) owns and operates the 

irrigation structures, including the drains, 

within the project area. EPWater has a long, 

successful history or collaboration with 

EPCWID#1. The study phase will provide the 

opportunity for EPWater and EPCWID#1 to 

discuss conveyance of reuse water through 

the drains. This mutually beneficial plan will 

allow EPWater to convey reuse water to the 

UVWTP and will recharge groundwater 

through the unlined open-channel drains and 

provide additional maintenance and cleaning 

for the drains. 

Photo of the wetlands at 

Keystone Heritage Park 

The study phase will evaluate if 

reuse water can be sent to the 

wetland to enhance the habitat. 

Photo of the Vinton 

Drainage Canal 

The study phase will evaluate 

the multiple project areas 

involved in this study and 

recommend environmental 

EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Budget 

FUNDING PLAN AND LETTERS OF COMMITMENT 

EPWater’s cash and in-kind contributions will be provided from revenues from current year budget FY 

2023-24 and from the proposed future Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgets. If the project is 

deemed successful and passes the feasibility and study phases, this project will replace a wastewater 

treatment plant that is planned for in the 2025 CIP budget. The design and construction budget for the 

planned wastewater treatment plant should be sufficient for this project and additional funds may be 

planned for as appropriate. 

BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY, PRELIMINARY 

DESIGN, AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE PHASES 

CONTRACT 

S 

CONTRACTOR 

NAME 

DESCRIPTION 

OF 

SERVICES 

COST 

DESCRIPTION OF 

COST 

ESTIMATE 

Feasibility Study to Estimate is based 

TBD obtain a congressionally 

authorized project 

Environmental and 

$500,000 on similar projects 

conducted by EPWater. 

Estimate is based 

TBD cultural resources study 

and compliance 

Planning – conceptual 

$150,000 on similar projects 

conducted by EPWater. 

Estimate is based 

TBD design and regulatory 

coordination 

$1,300,000 on similar projects 

conducted by EPWater. 

TBD 

Community outreach 

efforts during planning 

phase to assist 

EPWater staff 

$50,000 

Estimate is based on 

similar early 

outreach efforts 

conducted 

by EPWater for 

the AWPF project. 

BUDGET NARRATIVE 

Consultants will be hired to conduct the feasibility study, environmental compliance study, 

preliminary design and regulatory coordination and community outreach assistance. Cost estimates 

are based on similar recent contracts that EPWater has procured and negotiated. 

Feasibility Study Contract – An engineering firm will be selected using a qualifications- based 

procurement method and the profit will be negotiated as a separate element of the price. EPWater 

allows at most a 10 percent profit on study phase projects. The selected consultant will prepare a 

feasibility study to meet USBR requirements. 

Environmental & Cultural Resources EIS and Compliance Study Contract – An 

environmental engineering firm will be selected using a qualifications-based procurement method 

and the profit will be negotiated as a separate element of the price. EPWater allows at most a 

10 percent profit on environmental compliance projects. The selected consultant 

EL PASO WATER / WaterSMART: Water Recycling 

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO 

17 
Preliminary Design & Permit Coordination Contract – An engineering firm will be 

selected using a qualifications-based procurement method and the profit will be negotiated 

as a separate element of the price. EPWater allows at most a 12 percent profit on design 

projects. The selected consultant will develop a preliminary design for the project including 

but not limited to: selection of treatment technologies, wastewater lift station site selections 

for reuse, routing analysis, survey, cost estimate, and regulatory coordination. 

Community Outreach Contract – A communications firm will be selected using the appropriate 

procurement method to assist with community relations, community outreach, and public involvement. 

The firm will be used to supplement the work of EPWater communications staff. The firm will 

assist with public meetings, and may lead survey efforts and assist in preparing media briefs. 

Construction Costs – This study will develop the expected construction costs after 

the project is defined during the feasibility and preliminary design phases by the 

consultant selected for the Preliminary Design contract. At the current pre-planning 

level of the project, EPWater estimates that the project will be in the range of $150 

million. 

BUDGET SUMMARY 

Figures in this summary table are calculated from entries made in 

subsequent categories, only blank white cells require data entry. 

6. Budget Object Total Cost Federal Estimated Non-Federal 

Category Amount Estimated Amount 

a. Personnel $0 

b. Fringe Benefits $0 

c. Travel $0 

d. Equipment $0 

e. Supplies $0 

f. Contractual $2,000,000 

g. Construction $0 

h. Other Direct Costs $0 

i. Total Direct Costs $0 

i. Indirect Charges $0 

ReEL 

cy

P

cli

Total Costs $2,000,00 $1,000,00 $1,000,00 

ng 

ASO W

0 0 0 

AT

Cost Share 50% 50% 

ER 

Percentage 

/ WaterSMART: Water 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAROLLO / GRANT / FEBRUARY 2023 

\\Io-bd-1\bd-data\Marketing\Pursuits\Client46(EPO)\EPWater\2023AWPFTitleXIVApplication\NoticeofFunding_0223\Indd\46EPO 

18 
 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 2023

The Honorable Camille Calimlim Touton

Commissioner

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

1849 C Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Commissioner Touton:

I am writing to express to you and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation my staunch support for the 

WaterSMART grant application from El Paso Water to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of

expanding the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant (UVWTP).

The UVWTP is owned and operated by El Paso Water and is an arsenic treatment facility that draws its 

supply water from numerous groundwater wells. El Paso Water is seeking to investigate a water reuse 

solution to expand this facility and is seeking the Bureau of Reclamation’s assistance for its feasibility 

study.

The proposed study will review a project to meet the following three objectives: (1) Meet the growing 

demand for water supply in West El Paso. (2) Change groundwater use to reduce the impact on river

flows managed by the Rio Grande Project. (3) Provide relief to the Frontera Force Main (FFM) sewer

pipeline, which currently collects and conveys all sewage on the west side of El Paso to the Hickerson 

Wastewater Treatment Plant.

El Paso Water intends to investigate the feasibility of reusing water by diverting wastewater flow from a 

series of lift stations that feed into the FFM and treating the wastewater for discharge as surface water. To 

satisfy expected future demand driven by local growth, the water would be cleaned to potable standards 

and provide a fresh water source to more than offset the reduction in groundwater extraction. The project

would also significantly reduce the possibility of a future spill into the Rio Grande by diverting much of

the wastewater flow from the sewer pipeline.

El Paso Water is a recognized leader in water innovation. I ask that you give your full and fair

consideration, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, to El Paso Water's grant application.

Sincerely,

E

Veronica Escobar

Member of Congress


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RICARDO SAMANIEGO 

El Paso County Judge 

February 24, 2023 

The Hon. Camille Calimlim Touton 

Commissioner 

United States Bureau of Reclamation 

1849 C Street NW 

Washington, D.C. 20240 

RE: USBR Funding Opportunity #R23AS00076 WaterSMART: Water Recycling and Desalination 

Planning 

Dear Commissioner Touton: 

As El Paso County Judge, I have seen firsthand numerous projects on which the County and El Paso Water 

have successfully worked together to serve the people of this county. With this knowledge of their ability 

to deliver projects that greatly benefit our community, I write to express my full support for EPWater’s 

application for WaterSMART grant funding for the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant Expansion 

Feasibility Study. 

As we see population growth in both the City and County of El Paso, it is imperative for us to secure the 

additional water resources necessary to meet our community’s needs. The expansion of the Upper Valley

Treatment Plant using recycled water will be an important step in expanding capacity of the plant while 

at the same time reducing our groundwater use in the area of the plant to limit its impact to flows in the 

Rio Grande. This will also help the resilience of the Rio Grande Project to meeting the needs of downstream 

users. 

The expansion will also increase the use of reclaimed water, which is an innovative approach to meeting 

our water needs and one that EPWater has pioneered for decades. By diverting some wastewater flows to 

the treatment plant and treating it to potable water standards, EPWater will be able to effectively utilize 

this newly reclaimed water to offset the reduction of groundwater pumping. 

EPWater is a reliable partner to the County of El Paso. The utility has always reached beyond barriers to 

serve El Paso County residents, including those most in need in the underserved areas that sit just beyond 

the City’s boundaries. Their service and commitment to our community is integral to our ability to

continue to attract new residents, businesses, and endeavors. I ask that you strongly consider EPWater’s

application for funding. 

Sincerely, 

Ricardo A. Samaniego 

El Paso County Judge 

500 East San Antonio Street | Suite 301 | El Paso, Texas 79901 

CountyJudge@EPCounty.com 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R E S O L U T I O N 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT/CEO’S SUBMISSION OF A GRANT

APPLICATION TO THE U. S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION (USBR) UNDER FUNDING 

OPPORTUNITY NUMBER R23AS00076 “WATERSMART: WATER RECYCLING AND

DESALINATION PLANNING” IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 IN GRANT FUNDS FOR A 

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE UPPER VALLEY WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION;

AUTHORIZE $1,000,000 IN UTILITY MATCHING FUNDS; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZE THE

PRESIDENT/CEO TO PROVIDE AND SIGN ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS NECESSARY IN

CONNECTION WITH THE GRANT APPLICATION, GRANT AGREEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

OF THE FUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT.

WHEREAS, the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board (EPWater) was established on

May 22, 1952, by Ordinance No. 752 of the City of El Paso for the purpose of providing potable water

and wastewater collection and treatment for the City of El Paso, and

WHEREAS, EPWater has historically worked with grant agencies to obtain funds for the

research and implementation of water treatment, water conservation, water reuse and recycling,

membrane treatment processes, and potable water and energy improvement projects to benefit the

residents of the City and County of El Paso, to improve the quality and reliability of their water services,

and to promote the conservation of water and energy within the service area of El Paso; and

WHEREAS, EPWater has historically applied for and received U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

grant funds for numerous water resource, conservation, infrastructure construction, reverse osmosis, 

water treatment research, supply, monitoring, and reclaimed water projects; and

WHEREAS, USBR has released Funding Opportunity R23AS00076 “WaterSMART: Water

Recycling and Desalination Planning” and is soliciting eligible proposalsfor project funding, and USBR

requires a resolution of this type for submittal of a formal application for such grant funds; and

WHEREAS, EPWater has determined that this Project, which will involve a feasibility study of an

expansion of the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant using recycled water meetsthe objectives and requirements

outlined under R23AS00076, 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE EL PASO WATER UTILITIES 

PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD OF THE CITY OF EL PASO, TEXAS: 

Section 1. That the findings and recitations set out in the preamble to this Resolution are found

to be true and correct and are hereby adopted by the El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board (PSB)

and made a part of this Resolution for all purposes. 

Section 2. That the PSB, through its Government Affairs division, reviewed and supports

EPWater’s application for Funding Opportunity NumberR23AS00076“WaterSMART: Water Recycling

and Desalination Planning.”

Section 3. That the PSB hereby authorizes the President/CEO to sign any and all documents

required for the submission of the grant application for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) funds under

Funding Opportunity Number R23AS00076 “WaterSMART Grants: Water Recycling and Desalination 

Planning” in the amount of $1,000,000 for a feasibility study presenting water supply alternatives,

preliminary design, and an environmental impact and compliance assessment. The study aids EPWater

in better understanding engineering alternatives, environmental effects, and project scope. The study will 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________ 

_______________________________ 

assist in calculating costs and benefits and in understanding federal and state funding prospects. The

project's objectives include to: expand capacity to serve the city’s growing population on the westside, 

provide treated recycled water as a water source and reduce a percentage of groundwater pumping to 

limit impact to Rio Grande flows; reduce flows into the Frontera force main. If awarded, the PSB

authorizes the President/CEO to enter into a grant agreement and sign any related documents, including

documents for the acceptance of grant funds. 

Section 4. That the PSB authorizes EPWater’s funding commitment to allocate $1,000,000 to 

the Project.

Section 5. That the PSB agrees to conduct this project, if awarded, according to all of the water

conservation, planning, environmental, engineering, and renewable energy reporting and accounting 

procedures required by the USBR. Additionally, EPWater will work with the USBR to meet established

deadlines for entering into a grant agreement.

PASSED AND APPROVED at the regular meeting of the Public Service Board, this 8th day of

March 2023 at which meeting a quorum was present, held in accordance with the provisions of Texas

Government Code, Sections 551.001, et. seq. 

EL PASO WATER UTILITIES

PUBLIC SERVICE BOARD

Ivonne Santiago, Chair

ATTEST:

Charles Intebi, Secretary-Treasurer

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Daniel Ortiz, General Counsel
**Please note that this is an unsigned version of the Resolution. The Public Service Board meeting will 

be held on March 8th, 2023. EPWater will provide USBR with the signed version of the Resolution at 

that time.