Stormwater is water on land surfaces that originates from precipitation. It is a natural and important part of the hydrologic cycle. Some precipitation soaks into the ground and becomes part of the soil moisture. Most of it runs over land and arroyos or through streets, channels and drains.

A watershed is a land surface that produces stormwater runoff during precipitation. The flow accelerates as it drops in elevation, and increasing amounts of debris are carried by the stream. A large amount of precipitation in a small watershed produces a destructive stream of stormwater runoff. The combination of speed plus debris increases the destructive force of the flows.

Flooding occurs when stormwater runoff exceeds the capacity of an arroyo or channel. Adverse impacts include dislocation, property damage and loss of life. Damage from runoff can be curtailed by implementing the following:

• land use development controls and open space planning
• erosion controls that limit the amount of rocks and
• debris washed away with the runoff
• structural flood control systems
• stormwater systems

A stormwater system is designed to minimize flooding. It collects stormwater runoff, dissipates energy (reduces speed of flowing water), removes debris, and safely channels the flow to a designated collection point or receiving stream. El Paso's stormwater system includes man-made and natural features.

Natural arroyos provide a stormwater runoff conveyance with built in energy dissipation and debris removal features. Some arroyos are protected from development and remain as natural channels. Natural depressions can also be used to retain stormwater runoff. These areas can be integrated into the stormwater system while being preserved as wilderness areas.

Detention ponds are a key part of the stormwater system. They retain water, dissipate energy, percolate stormwater into aquifers and remove debris. Historically, ponds were narrow, deep and fenced to keep people out.

Recently, they have been made wide and shallow, so grass, trees and other park features can be incorporated. More detention ponds will be constructed as park ponds. This allows them to retain their stormwater function and increases the number of city parks.

El Paso's stormwater system has the following major components:

• pump stations – 22
• ponds – 482 (2,102acres)
• dams and basins – 37 (1,822 acres)
• channels – 75 miles
• agricultural drains – 13 miles
• storm drain conduits – 363 miles
• storm drain drop inlets – 8,039

Sewer pipes capture used water and liquid waste from homes and businesses and carry it to wastewater plants for treatment. Treated wastewater can be reused for landscape irrigation, industrial and construction purposes. It also helps sustain the aquatic habitat of the Rio Bosque wetlands and provides water for farming in the Mission Valley.

Storm drains are separate from the sewer system and, unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated and reused. Storm drains carry runoff to the Rio Grande and retention basins. Some storm drains are under streets, but much of the system consists of open canals, street gutters and other features that collect, channel and divert stormwater runoff.

Stormwater fees fund system maintenance and construction projects, and residents are better protected in both the short and long term. Areas that historically flooded were evaluated, and solutions are being pursued. The system also benefits from increased maintenance. Preventive maintenance continues to be a priority, and crews work throughout the year to keep the system clean. Maintenance reduces flood risk by reducing blockages and overflows.

Ten percent of annual stormwater fee revenue is used for projects that preserve open space and greenways while channeling or retaining stormwater runoff. The funds set aside for green projects also help fund park pond projects.

Stormwater fees are assessed for property owned by organizations, El Paso County and city government and El Paso Water, as well as commercial, industrial and residential properties. Federal and state agencies, public institutions of higher education, the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso and independent school districts are exempt, as well as undeveloped lots and agricultural land. Churches and nonprofit social service agencies are billed at a reduced rate.

The fees are used only for stormwater utility expenses. They fund system operations, maintenance and capital improvement projects, as well as open space and green projects. Fees are based on the amount of impervious surface areas.

Impervious surfaces includes any nonporous area that has been disturbed from its natural condition in a way that reduces the ability of the surface to absorb water into the soil. Examples are compacted soils, buildings, pavement, parking lots, driveways, sidewalks and other man-made structures or surfaces built or laid on the natural surface of the land that alter stormwater runoff so that flows are increased. For billing purposes, turf, xeriscaped areas, driveways, walkways and sidewalks are not included.

The impervious area of properties is determined by using aerial photographs and information in EPWater's Geographic Information System, along with El Paso Central Appraisal District real property Information.

For residential property, impervious area refers to the ground floor of the house, garages, porches, patios, and any additional buildings, storage sheds or other areas that cannot be penetrated by rain; however, driveways, sidewalks, turf and xeriscaped areas are not included in the calculation.

As with all public infrastructure, the stormwater system benefits all residents because they all travel on El Paso's streets and highways and benefit from stormwater control. Therefore, all residents pay to improve and maintain the system; however, credits are available for properties with onsite ponds that capture and retain stormwater.

Your account may not qualify for a water leak repair adjustment if during the high-water volume period you filled a swimming pool, established a new landscape, or received a water leak adjustment in the previous 24 months.  You may not qualify because the water loss was not more than 10 ccfs.

If eligible, up to two consecutive billing periods affected by the leak may receive an adjustment equal to 50 percent of the difference above the water use based on a baseline of consumption of the same months last year.  The adjustment only applies to the water portion of your bill and does not impact wastewater, stormwater or environmental services fees.

We welcome receipts or a statement of repairs. The utility will use the consumption following the month when the leak occurred to verify that the consumption has gone down to normal levels.

Once the leak adjustment is calculated and approved, it will typically be credited to your account within 5-10 business days.

Yes, you should always attempt to make a payment while your leak adjustment is pending approval. If the balance is very high due to the leak, we recommend customers pay the amount of a three-month average before the leak occurred.

No, there might be an occasion when you may not want to accept a leak adjustment. If the leak adjustment is minimal, you might want to consider not taking the adjustment due to the 24-month waiting period. Once the adjustment is entered to your account you will have to wait 24 months before you can qualify for another leak adjustment.

If you see a visible leak, try and isolate the leak and make the repair or call a plumber to help. If you cannot isolate the leak, as a temporary measure, consider turning off the valve at the meter to reduce a possible high bill. You can turn it back on as needed.

Adjustments on water bills will NOT be made on the following:

• Customers who do not have their own water meter.
• Premises left or abandoned without reasonable care for the plumbing system.
• Negligent acts such as leaving water running.
• Excess water charges not directly resulting from a qualifying plumbing leak.
• Filling of swimming pools or leaks in swimming pools.
• Watering of lawns or gardens.
• Master-metered multi-habitational accounts

• In the event of a qualifying leak adjustment, the customer will be responsible for paying their average bill. The average bill will be calculated using the previous twelve (12) months’ bills, excluding the high bills pertaining to the qualifying leak. The leak adjustment amount will be reimbursed up to El Paso Water’s chosen protection limit less than the customer’s average bill.
• Any leak adjustment will be applied directly to your account on the next billing cycle after approved by EPWater ServLine® program.

Leaks can be difficult to find, but they can also happen right in front of us if we don’t know what to look for. Click here for some tips on finding leaks.

Visit the El Paso, Texas Code of Ordinances to view the El Paso Texas Municipal Code - Water Conservation

To report a violation call (915) 594-5508. You can also visit our Report Water Waste page here.

For information on how you can make a difference and conserve water visit our Conservation page.

• Watering on the wrong day
  • EVEN number addresses are permitted to water on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. ODD numbered addresses are permitted to water on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.
• Watering at the wrong time of day
  • From April 1 to September 30, watering is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Washing your vehicle
  • Use the hose only for quick rinses and be sure it has a positive shut off nozzle.
• Water flowing into the street
  • This is a waste of water which can be a traffic safety hazard and cause damage to the street pavement.
• A water leak
  • Leaks need to be repaired within five working days.

If you are unable to fix a water leak within 5 working days, you must call El Paso Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508 to request an extension.

These permits allow the customer to water as needed; however, water is never to be allowed to run into the street. It is the customer's responsibility to call the Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508 to request permits.

Landscape Watering Permits:

• 30-day permits are granted for the establishment of new lawns.
• One-day permits are granted for the application of either chemicals or fertilizer.

Landscape permits and chemical permits will be limited when drought restrictions are in effect.

If a customer desires a change in irrigation days and hours, it is the customer's responsibility to apply for a variance and demonstrate hardship by contacting the Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508. 

A Review Board can modify established schedules or approve requests for variances. Variances are based on the Review Board's recommendations and are usually granted to customers that, because of age or health, depend on someone else to do yard work, or for those out-dated irrigation systems that can't irrigate within the allotted time.

All variances are discontinued during water emergencies and drought Stages 2 and 3.

Please disregard the notice if a watering permit was recently issued.

Any direct El Paso Water commercial customer that has had service for the past twelve consecutive months from the date of application at current location.

Eligible customers can receive up to a $30,000 rebate to purchase long-term water- efficient equipment or perform process upgrades, subject to approval and availability of funds.

Proposed projects resulting in the highest verifiable amount of yearly water savings will be given priority. The customer is responsible for providing projected yearly water savings on any project. EPWater will review the project information and request additional information, if necessary, to make a final determination.

No. Applications must be submitted and approved before beginning any project to be eligible for a rebate.

Rebates will cover 50% of equipment costs or up to the maximum rebate amount of $30,000, but EPWater will only cover equipment, materials or process upgrade costs.

Funds will be disbursed approximately 6-8 weeks after all required documentation is submitted and EPWater performs a post-installation visit to photograph new equipment or processes.

Business will have four months from the date on the letter of intent to complete projects. Extensions to complete work may be granted upon approval.

Applications will be denied if information is missing or incomplete. Be sure to submit all documents listed in the application checklist, fully describe the project, and provide projected water savings based on documentation.

Yes, if the application was denied due to missing or invalid information, customers may re-apply.

Yes, a maximum combined rebate amount of $30,000 is allowed per account, owner or management company per fiscal year (Based on equipment and material cost only. Installation and taxes not included).

That simply means that EPWater service workers have not yet completed an inspection of the pipe at your home.  Over the next year or so, we plan to inspect all unknown lines and document the material used for the pipe that goes from the water main to your meter and from the meter to your home (or business). Click here to see an up-to-date map of the status of your service line.

EPWater is using a combination of records analysis and inspections of service lines to determine the material used.  The inspection can be a simple visual inspection or, if the line is buried and not visible at the meter, it may require excavation and a scratch test.

We have prioritized the sections of the city with older homes and therefore an increased risk of lead service lines. In 1986, Congress enacted the “lead ban,” which required public water systems to use “lead-free materials” when installing or repairing water pipes. As a result, homes built in or after 1988 are far less likely to have lead service lines.

You will be notified only if the line is made of lead or of galvanized pipe requiring replacement. If for some reason we have not inspected your line within a year, you will receive another notice – and a notice annually after that – until the pipe material is confirmed.  This will be updated as the investigation continues, and you can always check the map to see if the investigation at your home was completed and what material is documented for your address.

The requirement is to replace the service line to the home or business.  For any interior plumbing, it is the customer’s responsibility. We recommend that you consult a plumber for any interior plumbing concerns.

We are offering to replace the line early in this process at EPWater expense. It is a regulatory requirement that must be completed within a decade. If you elect not to allow us to complete the replacement, you can sign a release indicating you will replace it on your own at your own expense.

If this is your first time applying for a City job online, you must create an account that includes a unique username and password.  Each applicant must have his/her own email address when setting up an account. After your account is established, you can create an application by logging with your username and password. This application can be saved and used to apply for more than one job opening. Only one applicant per account is allowed.

If you do not have a computer with internet service you will be able to access the system from any City Library or the Human Resources Department at City Hall.

The Human Resources team is committed to ensuring that this process is easy and user-friendly. To help applicants, the following resources are available:  Online Application Guide.   In-person help from Human Resources is also available during regular business hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please call 915-212-0045 or go to the City’s Human Resources Department located at City Hall if you need assistance.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Job postings may close at any time in order to meet City employment needs.

Yes, applicants may submit a résumé to accompany the application as supplemental information only, but the résumé will not be reviewed to determine minimum qualifications.

Once you have established your account, you may access your account by clicking “Sign In” located on the City of El Paso Employment page, or from here you may: Create a new application(s), Update your application(s), Check the status of your application(s), or View ALL jobs that you have applied for.

The Human Resources department will review and screen your application for basic qualifications.  The hiring department will then review and score applications.  Based on that process, the top 3-6 candidates will generally be contacted for an interview.

Yes, jobs requiring a Post-secondary Education or Accredited program must be granted or earned by an Accredited Agency and/or State approved agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. A complete list of recognized institutions can be found on the U.S. Department of Education Website.

Yes, applicants with foreign degrees must have all documents translated and evaluated by a college, university, or Credentials Evaluation Services Department prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit to the Human Resources Department all certificates, courses, diplomas or transcripts that the applicant wishes to have considered.

Candidates can simply update their previous application on file and submit for other job opportunities.

Duties and minimum qualifications for each position vary. Click on this link for a complete listing of job descriptions and salaries. City positions are paid according to pay schedules. Click on any of these links to view pay scales: Executive Salary, General Services, and Professional Managerial. The starting salary is generally at the entry rate.

After you have applied, we carefully review each and every application for essential background, and skills.  It may take a number of weeks or more before you are notified.   Initially, you will receive a notice of qualification or disqualification with instructions.  If qualified, civil service testing is required to be completed.  The eligible list will then been certified, and a new notice with your grade and rank on the eligible list will be emailed to you.

All tests are related to the position and examination topics come from knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. We recommend that you review the knowledge, skills, and abilities posted on the job specification.

Applicants who are disqualified as a result of the examination may appeal to the Civil Service Commission or Human Resources Director. Appeals may be turned in Monday thru Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Human Resources Department at City Hall. When necessary, candidates may be asked to give more details concerning current or past work experience.

The Civil Service Commission is a quasi-judicial board volunteering their time to ensure applicants and employees are treated fairly. For more information, visit Civil Service Commission web page.

Applicants who are disqualified may appeal to the Civil Service Commission but must do so within three working days from the date the disqualification is sent.  Untimely appeals will not be accepted. The Commission will meet the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

Yes, you will be notified through email notification that you were not selected.

Yes – The City of El Paso and El Paso Water do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

A person is eligible to take promotional examinations after actual service in a classified position for six months and when he/she fully meets the qualifications for the class as specified in the job description.

Is there arsenic in El Paso’s water? Arsenic occurs naturally as a constituent in many types of rocks and minerals. Some of the geological formations comprising El Paso’s aquifers consist of arsenic-containing rocks in nearby mountains. Some of the arsenic dissolves into El Paso’s groundwater over time.

Is arsenic in drinking water harmful? In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a new health standard for arsenic in drinking water of 10 parts per billion, which is equivalent to less than a teaspoon of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The previous standard for arsenic was adopted in 1943 and was 50 parts per billion.

How does EPWater remove arsenic and meet regulations? In order to comply with the new standard set by the EPA, EPWater designed and constructed the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant. The Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant removes naturally occurring arsenic from drinking water. An iron salt is used to attract the arsenic as part of the removal process. Once arsenic reacts with the iron, the resulting precipitate settles and is filtered from the water, leaving arsenic-free water behind. The finished water is then sent to the Canutillo Booster Pump Station where it is then distributed to the Upper Valley, West Side and areas beyond the city limits.

Interesting Facts: To date, the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant is one of the largest facilities in the United States constructed as a result of the revised federal regulation on arsenic.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many water sources, including here in El Paso. EPWater does not fluoridate the water. The utility monitors fluoride levels as part of our normal water quality monitoring and reports the levels in our annual Drinking Water Report. 

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles that enter the environment through human use. While some particles are manufactured at a micro size like microbeads in soaps, larger plastics like water bottles can break down into smaller particles becoming a risk over time.

MPs have recently been detected in oceans, seas and freshwater bodies worldwide. Municipal treatment plants remove the majority of MPs. Conventional water treatment processes can reduce plastics into the drinking water system, however the ability to remove MPs depends on particle size.
Research regarding MPs is ongoing with experts identifying best practices and the standardization of methods.

Sometimes microscopic plants called algae multiply rapidly in the New Mexico reservoirs during the hot summer months. This causes a distinctly different taste and odor to develop in El Paso’s water, which is derived from the Rio Grande. This problem is normally short lived. Activated carbon is used at the water treatment plants to absorb these algae-related tastes and odors. Even if the musty smell and taste are apparent, the water is safe to drink.

Water hardness is defined by the amount of calcium and magnesium present. When the levels are comparatively low, water is described as soft. When the levels are comparatively high, water is described as hard. Water in El Paso is described as moderately hard to hard. Harder water does not lather as easily and does not form as many suds when using soap or detergent. However, there is increasing evidence that the presence of calcium and magnesium found in hard water is desirable for good cardio-vascular health. We do not recommend the installation of water softeners for drinking water.

El Paso uses chlorine to disinfect our drinking water. Chlorine has been used in municipal water in the U.S. since 1908, and it is the most effective way to ensure that water stays disinfected as it travels through water delivery systems. Chlorine prevents water-borne epidemics such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. The maximum amount of chlorine in El Paso’s water is usually two parts per million. Chlorine in this quantity poses no adverse health risks.

Rusting in galvanized pipes in plumbing systems is the typical cause of discolored water. In some cases, rusty or dirty water may come from the distribution system as a result of a main break or fire hydrant use. Iron causes the discoloration, but it is not a health risk. Usually, rusty water will clear after running cold water for a few minutes. Using hot water may cause sediment to go into the water heater. Although rusty or dirty water does not create a health risk, we recommend that you do NOT drink water that is not clear. If the water does not clear after running, please call El Paso Water for assistance at 915-594-5733.

A small amount of lithium occurs naturally in El Paso’s water. The amount is considerably less than a medical dosage. Lithium is sometimes use by doctors to treat mental disorders. To get the same amount of lithium as one standard capsule, you would have to drink about 600 glasses of water.

If you are an El Paso Water customer, these devices are not necessary to make your water safe. Your water is safe as it comes from the tap. If not properly maintained, water purification devices may actually cause problems with your water, including uncontrolled growth of disease-causing bacteria.

You have five working days to repair a leak. If you are unable to repair within the five days, it is the customer’s responsibility to call the El Paso Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508 to request an extension.

A Code Compliance Officer will re-visit a warning only if they require you to repair fixtures, irrigation schedule, and/or make the necessary changes that stop the water waste that is defined in Chapter 15.13 - WATER CONSERVATION | Code of Ordinances | El Paso, TX | Municode Library. (Ord. 15.13.030)

A trained Code Compliance Officer has observed a violation of the city's water conservation ordinance at your residence or place of business.

Yes, once you receive a citation it will be on record at the Records Division of the El Paso Police Department.

You must appear at an arraignment hearing stated on your citation at El Paso Municipal Court’s Northeast site, 9600 Dyer St, El Paso, TX 79924 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

An arraignment is your first appearance before a judge. It is the court date the officer assigned to you when your ticket was issued. The date is at the top of your ticket, above your signature, where you promised to appear on that date and time.

Please visit The City of El Paso website to see payment options under Fines and Payments.

No, once the citation has been paid you no longer need to appear at your arraignment. We recommend keeping a copy of citation and receipt of payment for your records.

Visit El Paso Water's Conservation Ordinance page here for information on restrictions.

To report a violation call (915) 594-5508.

For information on how you can make a difference and conserve water visit our Conservation page here.

You were observed violating the Water Conservation Ordinance for:

• Watering on the wrong day
  • EVEN number addresses are permitted to water on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.
  • ODD numbered addresses are permitted to water on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday
• Watering at the wrong time of day
  
  • From April 1 to September 30, watering is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Washing your vehicle
  
  • Use the hose only for quick rinses and be sure it has a positive shut-off nozzle.
• Water was observed flowing into the street
  
  • This is a waste of water which can be a traffic safety hazard and cause damage to the street pavement.
• You have a water leak
  
  • Leaks need to be repaired within five working days.

If you are unable to fix a water leak within five working days, you should call El Paso Water Code Enforcement to review.

These permits allow the customer to water as needed; however, water is never allowed to run into the street. It is the customer's responsibility to call the Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508 to request permits.

Landscape Watering Permits:

• 30-day period for establishment of new lawns.
• One-day permits are granted for the application of either chemicals or fertilizer.

Landscape permits and chemical permits will be limited when drought restrictions are in effect.

If a customer desires a change in irrigation days and hours, it is the customer's responsibility to apply for a variance and demonstrate hardship by contacting the Water Conservation Department at (915) 594-5508.

A Review Board can modify established schedules or approve requests for variances. Variances are based on the Review Board's recommendations and are usually granted to customers that, because of age or health, depend on someone else to do yard work, or for those out-dated irrigation systems that can't irrigate within the allotted time.

All variances are discontinued during water emergencies and drought Stages 2 and 3.

Please disregard the notice if a watering permit was recently issued.