Thanks to El Paso Water’s Conservation Team, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso is saving approximately $400 a month, a 40 percent reduction on its water bill, allowing the organization to reinvest more resources into the families it serves.
Water Conservation Specialist Alex Fashing and Water Conservation Technician Jesus Palomares recently conducted a commercial water survey at the nonprofit’s facility. The survey identified opportunities to improve efficiency and right-size water infrastructure, resulting in measurable savings.
The conservation team helps businesses and nonprofit organizations across El Paso become more water-efficient and reduce operating costs through its free commercial survey program. As part of the process, a conservation technician evaluates historical water usage, gauges trends, measures fixture flow rates and irrigation systems, and provides customized water-efficiency recommendations.
The situation
The Ronald McDonald House provides housing for families of children in need of medical care. The facility can house up to 10 families and a house manager at a time, said Executive Director Thelma Ramos.
“Saving $400 a month on our water bill is just another way that we can pay it forward and help our families,” she said.
After implementing several water-efficient upgrades, including switching to turf, reducing irrigation and purchasing high-efficiency washing machines, the organization expected to see a reduction in its monthly bill. When savings didn’t materialize, leadership reached out to EPWater for additional support.
“We had gone through so many changes, and we weren’t seeing it reflect on our bill,” she said.
One key finding from the survey: the facility could benefit from transitioning from a 3-inch water meter to a 2-inch meter. After confirming the change would not impact operations or water pressure, the Ronald McDonald House moved forward with the adjustment.
The result was immediate, a significant reduction in their monthly water bill.
Along with lowering their bill, the organization also reduced overall water consumption by 25 percent in 2025 through conservation recommendations and efficiency improvements.
“We can invest that money directly into our families, and we have seen no change in the water pressure,” Ramos said. “It’s been very smooth.”
The survey includes a detailed review of historical water use and an on-site inspection where technicians measure water flow from fixtures and evaluate irrigation systems. Data is analyzed and tailored recommendations are provided.
“We notice more often than not that there’s a way to save water somewhere on the property,” Fashing said. “We can always find a way to help customers save water.”
Supporting customers amid rate increases
As EPWater continues investing in long-term water supply reliability, infrastructure improvements, and water reuse projects, rate increases ensure the sustainability of El Paso’s water system for generations to come.
Conservation remains one of the most effective tools customers can use to manage their bills under the new rate structure. Programs like the free commercial survey and available rebate incentives help businesses and nonprofits offset costs while reducing water use.
“At the end of the day, saving water is one of the most important things we can do for the sustainability of this city, and we are very proud of what we do for El Paso,” Fashing said.
For more information about commercial water surveys and available rebates, visit epwater.org/business/conservation/water-surveys or call the TecH2O Learning Center at 915-594-5508.
The post Small change, big impact: Ronald McDonald House cuts water bill by 40% appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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