EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) said the utility has been addressing community concerns as they were notified of low water pressure in the Anapra area, particularly highlighted during a recent fire incident, the utility said in a news release.
CRRUA provides water and wastewater services to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa.
The utility, in partnership with the City of Sunland Park, recently installed critical fire suppression infrastructure to the Anapra area that had been lacking, according to the news release.
“As part of a regional improvement initiative under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, CRRUA contributed $345,000 in match funding to install new fire hydrants, water lines, and water meters throughout the Anapra subdivision; an area that previously lacked this essential infrastructure,” CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby said.
Crosby said CRRUA is aware of low water pressure in the Anapra area, as a structure fire happened there earlier on Thursday. However, he said that thanks to these recent improvements, first responders had access to nearby hydrants.
“Without these upgrades, the nearest hydrant would have been on McNutt Road, potentially delaying response efforts and increasing fire damage,” Crosby said.
CRRUA said the Anapra Subdivision is in one of the oldest areas of the utility’s water system.
“Water mains in the Anapra Subdivision were installed more than 40 years ago following codes and standards that were in effect at the time of construction. Many of the existing water mains are not large enough to meet current fire flow and pressure requirements,” read the news release.
Crosby said while progress has been made, CRRUA recognizes the continued need for infrastructure enhancements, including the replacement of the existing 6-inch and 4-inch water main along McNutt Road with an 8-inch or 10-inch line to further support improved fire suppression and water pressure in Anapra. However, additional funding is required to undertake this next phase of improvement, according to the news release.
“CRRUA remains fully committed to securing funds and making the long-term investments needed to strengthen the entire utility system,” Crosby said.
“CRRUA is dedicated to ensuring safe, sustainable, and efficient utility services while proactively investing in infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing community,” Crosby added.
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