Wastewater main break contained at EPWater plant

Published on April 18, 2025

No wastewater or water services are impacted

EL PASO – On Thursday night, a wastewater main break occurred at the Roberto Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant at 10001 Pan American Drive in a non-residential area of southeast El Paso. Crews worked through the night to stop the leak on the 36-inch line and reroute the wastewater flow. The wastewater spill was fully contained by Friday morning.

EPWater officials estimate 800,000 gallons of wastewater was spilled and contained within the Bustamante Plant property. No water or wastewater services were affected. The public drinking water supply is not at risk.

The following is required language from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a wastewater discharge event of this size:

Although it was determined that the public water supply was not affected, EPWater customers or persons who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.

Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.

The public should avoid contact with wastewater or soil in the area affected by the discharge. If contact is made, it is advised to bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.

For customers who have questions about the wastewater spill, please contact Angel Bustamante, Wastewater Systems Division Manager at (915) 594-5401.