Wastewater main break in Southeast El Paso

Published on March 14, 2025

Crews working to repair main at Bustamante Wastewater Plant 
 
EL PASO – At 10:15 a.m. Friday morning, 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. The 36-inch line was damaged during construction at the plant. The spill was isolated at 11:00 a.m., and crews are working to make repairs. Wastewater is no longer flowing out of the main.

EPWater officials confirm the spilled wastewater volume exceeded 100,000 gallons. The entirety of the spill was 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.