From major infrastructure milestones to national recognition and strategic partnerships, 2025 was a year of forward momentum for EPWater. The following 10 highlights capture the progress, innovation and impact that shaped the year.
Groundbreaking of the Pure Water Center
In February 2025, EPWater and local, state and federal leaders celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for the Pure Water Center, the nation’s first direct-to-distribution potable reuse facility. Formerly known as the Advanced Water Purification Facility, this state-of-the-art plant will purify treated wastewater into fresh drinking water.
The Pure Water Center will deliver up to 10 million gallons per day of safe, reliable water directly to customers’ taps, advancing water sustainability and drought resilience for decades to come.
Expanding river water capacity with state funding
In November, EPWater announced it had secured $14 million in state funding with the help of state Sen. César Blanco and the El Paso state delegation to launch the Surface Water Augmentation Project at the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant.
This critical investment will initiate design and planning for a new adjacent facility that will treat additional Rio Grande water and reduce groundwater pumping at the Mesilla Bolson aquifer, preserving vital groundwater supplies for our city’s future.
Meter replacement program strengthens infrastructure
In 2025, EPWater accelerated its meter replacement program, which speeds leak detection to reduce water waste, improves billing accuracy and modernizes customer service operations. The new advanced meters send data securely and automatically and increase the lifespan for equipment from 10 years to 50 years.
Skills for sustainability: Workforce training and new hires
EPWater’s skills for sustainability initiative in partnership with Western Tech continued to provide specialized training programs to fill critical vacancies at operating plants. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies honored EPWater with a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in Workforce Development for this program, which has supported multiple training cohorts and created pathways to employment in water and wastewater operations.
A new round of training was introduced this year to build a pipeline for supervisory control and data acquisition operators. This is a computerized system that remotely monitors and controls pumps, valves, tanks and sensors across the water network.
National recognition for energy efficiency
EPWater’s commitment to sustainability was recognized at the national level when it received the Utility of the Future Today award for energy efficiency at the Water Environment Federation’s WEFTEC conference in Chicago.
This accolade highlights EPWater’s innovative use of advanced optimization software to continuously analyze data from across the water distribution system. Use of the software has helped to reduce energy costs, improve system performance and minimize environmental impacts.
Award for partnership with Fort Bliss
In a Pentagon ceremony, EPWater was awarded a Community Partnership Award for its collaboration with Fort Bliss. The U.S. Department of Defense only presents seven such awards annually.
Leading up to the award, EPWater and Fort Bliss strengthened their alliance with a new memorandum of partnership that expands collaboration on community resilience and shared infrastructure goals. This work is rooted in years of operational cooperation and support across water and wastewater services.
Rate structure enhancements and affordability options
EPWater introduced changes to its rate and fee structures to better support customers struggling to pay water bills. The utility expanded affordability options for low and very low water users in 2025 and proposed stormwater fee discounts for small residential properties that, if approved, will be effective in March 2026.
Locally sourced business partnerships
EPWater deepened its community impact by partnering with local businesses through the “locally sourced” program, a collaborative effort to highlight local businesses and how essential water is to their homegrown craft. The initiative increases awareness about the role EPWater plays in ensuring these businesses continue to thrive by supplying a clean, reliable source of water.
EPWater’s employees give back to the community
EPWater Charity of Choice Committee members, from left, Michael Dubrule, Zulema Jamis, Luz Holguin, Elijio Myers and Gerardo Gomez pose with Vanessa G. Leon of the Heart Gallery and Sandra Nevarez Garcia of the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence. Photo by El Paso Water.
EPWater pledged a record $117,000 to United Way and raised $80,000 through employee fundraisers as part of the annual charity of choice program, which this year will benefit both the Heart Gallery of El Paso and the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence. The Charity of Choice program is a fully employee-led program completed by volunteers on their off-hours.
Best tasting water and more
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant won the South Central Membrane Association’s award for best-tasting water in 2025. The association recognizes top contenders through the annual competition to celebrate excellent taste in water produced by membrane processes. Judging criteria focuses on clarity, smell, color and taste.
Looking ahead
As EPWater builds on the momentum of 2025, these milestones underscore a continued commitment to innovation, resilience and service. Together, they set the stage for another year of progress in delivering safe, reliable water.
The post EPWater 2025: A year of innovation, community and water resilience appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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