El Paso Water is one step closer to building the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) after the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation awarded the utility a $3.5 million grant through the congressionally-authorized Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects. A total of $16.98M was awarded to five water recycling projects; three in California, one in Hawaii and EPWater’s AWPF project in Texas.
The facility will supplement EPWater’s supply by transforming treated wastewater into fresh drinking water, and delivering it directly to customers. EPWater completed pilot testing in 2016 that successfully demonstrated that highly purified water can be consistently produced with the AWPF process.
According to Patricia Sinicropi, Executive Director of the WateReuse Association, the $3.5 million federal grant is yet another recognition of El Paso Water’s leadership in sustainable water management.
“The Advanced Water Purification Facility project is an example for the nation and the world on how a forward-thinking utility can use the latest technology to create a safe, sustainable, and locally-controlled water supply to sustain and grow a community in an ever more arid climate,” Sinicropi said.
According to EPWater Chief Technical Officer Gilbert Trejo, the funding will allow the utility to complete 90% of the design.
“By getting money awarded at the design phase, you now have the Bureau of Reclamation vested in our project,” Trejo said. “The chances of us receiving future construction grants is greater.”
In the news release announcing the award, Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman said the Title XVI program is successful in helping communities look beyond the traditional surface or groundwater sources.
“This program allows communities to diversify their water supply—exploring water reuse, recycling and other techniques while improving efficiency and flexibility during water shortages,” Burman said.
Because the construction of the AWPF is estimated at $75 million, EPWater is committed to applying for grants that would provide at least partial funding for the facility.
“El Paso Water is always thinking of minimizing the impact on rate payers for these large-scale projects,” said Communication & Marketing Manager Christina Montoya. “That’s why we aggressively pursue these grants. It does take longer to get projects completed this way, but we think it’s worth it in the end.”
EPWater has been working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on the pilot facility and design phase, and the agency will review and approve plans and specifications before construction on the Advanced Water Purification facility begins, which is not expected for a few years.