In El Paso, stormwater can move fast. A short, intense rainstorm can send runoff from mountains, through streets and arroyos toward neighborhoods and major roads in minutes, creating safety risks for residents, drivers and businesses.
That is why El Paso Water’s stormwater work is more than a seasonal response. The utility maintains drainage infrastructure year-round and invests in projects designed to reduce flooding, improve public safety and build a more resilient city.
Will Ruth Pond: A major investment in Northeast El Paso
A leading example is the Will Ruth Pond project in Northeast El Paso, where construction began in 2025. Designed as a large-scale stormwater detention pond, the project will capture runoff from Dyer Street and surrounding areas, reducing it from flowing downstream into nearby neighborhoods. By reducing flood risk along Dyer Street, improving public safety and removing more than 600 homes from the flood zone, the project is expected to provide significant long-term benefits for the community.
Projected to be the largest stormwater pond in the city, Will Ruth Pond will have the capacity to hold approximately 115 million gallons of stormwater when completed. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the pond will capture and temporarily store runoff during heavy rain events, reducing pressure on downstream drainage systems and helping protect homes, businesses and drivers in flood-prone areas.
The Will Ruth Pond project reflects EPWater’s broader stormwater management strategy of pairing long-term infrastructure investments with routine maintenance. Together, these efforts are designed to improve the movement of stormwater through the drainage system, reducing flood risks and strengthening community resilience during severe weather.
Year-round stormwater work
Across the city, EPWater crews inspect and maintain stormwater infrastructure, clear vegetation, silt and debris from channels and ponds, and position crews and equipment to respond during heavy rain events. This behind-the-scenes work helps drainage facilities operate as designed and supports the larger flood-control projects residents see taking shape.
Stormwater improvements are especially important during monsoon season, when storms can develop quickly and drop heavy rain over a small area. Even if one part of the city stays dry, another neighborhood may experience dangerous street flooding or fast-moving runoff.
Preparedness residents can use now
Residents can increase flood safety by monitoring weather alerts, planning alternate routes, keeping children away from canals and arroyos, clearing debris away from drains and never driving through flooded roadways.
For residents in flood-prone areas, sandbags should be part of a preparedness plan before storms arrive. El Paso Water’s free summer sandbag distribution gives residential customers access to up to 10 sandbags per visit with a Texas ID or El Paso Water bill.
Summer sandbag distribution schedule: July 6–Oct. 3
Together, projects like Will Ruth Pond, ongoing maintenance and resident preparedness tools such as sandbags show how El Paso Water is approaching stormwater from multiple angles: building capacity, maintaining existing systems and helping the community prepare before severe weather arrives.
To learn more about El Paso Water’s stormwater system, flood safety resources and sandbag distribution, visit https://www.epwater.org.
The post Building flood resilience in El Paso: Inside El Paso Water’s stormwater improvements appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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