Conservation Heroes

El Paso Water salutes El Paso residents, businesses and other institutions that have successfully reduced their water consumption and demonstrated good water stewardship.

Watch the videos below to learn about some of our Conservation Heroes in recent years, and stay tuned for information on the 2020 award.

El Paso Zoo

2019 Conservation Hero

“This is quite an honor for the Zoo to be recognized as a conservation hero,” said Leonor Wilson, Interim Zoo Director. “We do our best to inspire people to adopt ways to preserve our natural resources. The Zoo took the right steps by installing low-flow toilets, metered sinks and reclaimed water for irrigation.”

The Shack Wings & Brews

2018 Conservation Hero

Congratulations to The Shack Wings & Brews, 1883 N. Zaragoza. “Of all the restaurants here in El Paso, to come out on top… wow,” General Manager Jaime Garcia said. “It’s a good feeling.” Garcia has been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years and attributes the restaurant’s success to foresight and attention to detail. Garcia said leaking faucets have to be addressed immediately. “It’s amazing how much water you can lose with just one leaking faucet.”

Martita's Lunch Box

2017 Conservation Hero

Martita's Lunch Box was named the 2017 Conservation Hero on Friday, July 21 at the Chihuahuas game. Thanks to the Chihuahuas for helping with the event and creation of the video!

El Paso Community College

2016 Conservation Hero

The Transmountain campus of El Paso Community College has taken a number of steps to conserve water, resulting in a 37 percent reduction in water use between 2008 and 2015. EPCC installed irrigation systems with low water flow emitters in all campus restrooms and added water bottle filling stations for students.

EPCC District Grounds Supervisor, Raul Lucero, who supervises ongoing daily ground work throughout the district, described work they had completed at the campus. “We eliminated plenty of sprinkler heads and converted to a drip irrigation system in key areas. We also selected heat tolerant plants, which are native plants that do great in El Paso.”

Missionary Society of St. Columban

2016 Honorable Mention

The Missionary Society of St. Columban at El Paso, which offers programs and assistance to immigrants, has made it a point to preserve water and share a message of conservation with all who visit. "Water conservation is part of our sustainable lifestyle,” said Father Robert Mosher, who oversees the El Paso chapter.

The staff at St. Columban collects shower water and dishwater to water plants.
They post signs around the house to encourage staff and visitors to conserve.
Instructions are provided on how to take short showers.
Reminders are posted to use a mug while brushing one's teeth.