Since news broke about the contamination of lead and other pollutants in Flint, Michigan’s public drinking water in 2015, 63 percent of national consumers question the quality of their own drinking water, according to a 2017 Gallup poll.
This is not the case in El Paso with the vast majority agreeing that El Paso’s drinking water is safe, reliable and of good quality, according to the latest EPWater customer survey. The high quality water flowing through our taps has not been overlooked but celebrated – and for good reason.
“We strive daily to ensure customers have confidence in their drinking water, because we know how important safe drinking water is to the community,” said Richard Wilcox, Utility Laboratory Service Manager. “At the end of the day, we drink the water and so do our families.”
EPWater invests money in state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, tests water continuously through all phases of treatment and distribution to the customer, and ensures employees receive training in the leading water quality practices and technologies.
The 27,000-square-foot International Water Quality Laboratory is a national model for water quality labs. Lab employees review more than 45,000 samples from treatment plants and throughout the distribution system and perform more than 370,000 tests each year.
"We often talk about our leadership in water supply innovations, but just as essential – if not more so – is the work we do to guarantee the health and safety of our water supply," President and CEO John Balliew said. "When people tour this facility and see first-hand this modern laboratory, it builds tremendous confidence in what we do."
The utility’s water treatment facilities follow the same high standards in their on-site laboratories.
“If the water entering the plant for treatment changes, these on-site tests will identify it and prompt plant personnel to customize their treatment approach,” said Frank Regalado, Water Plant Assistant Superintendent.
From start to finish and throughout the process, El Pasoans can be confident that professionals are on the job 24/7 to deliver only the best.
“I know how important it is to rest assured that my children are getting high quality water, and I want the community to know that also,” said Wilcox.
For more information, visit EPWater's Water Quality page.