El Paso bets on wastewater recycling to secure future drinking water
El Paso is building the first U.S. facility to directly treat wastewater into drinking water, a move other drought-stricken cities may soon follow.
Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- El Paso Water broke ground on the Pure Water Center, set to produce 10 million gallons of potable water per day by 2028 using advanced purification.
- Direct potable reuse remains controversial, but states like Texas, Colorado, and California are developing regulations as water scarcity worsens.
- Environmental concerns persist over contaminants like PFAS, but utility officials say the multi-step filtration process is robust.
Key quote:
“The good thing is that our multiple barrier approach to remove viruses, pathogens, and any of these emerging constituents of concern is in place. It’s a very robust system.”
— Gilbert Trejo, vice president of operations at El Paso Water
Why this matters:
With climate change intensifying droughts, cities must find new water sources. Direct potable reuse offers a way to recycle wastewater into drinking water, but concerns remain over contaminants and cost. El Paso’s approach could set a precedent as more communities face water shortages.
The benefits are clear: Recycling wastewater provides a reliable water source, reduces reliance on dwindling rivers and aquifers, and helps communities become more resilient in the face of climate extremes. But critics point out that no system is foolproof. Trace contaminants, including so-called “forever chemicals” like PFAS, have been detected in treated wastewater, raising concerns about long-term exposure. Additionally, these advanced treatment plants require significant upfront investment and energy use, potentially making them cost-prohibitive for smaller cities.
