By Rushil Gumasana, Publishing Associate: Researcher and Writer at Save the Water™ | November 11, 2025

Edited by Muhammad Afridi, Publishing Project Lead at Save the Water™

Clean drinking water is a basic human right. El Paso, Texas, situated in the Chihuahuan Desert, receives less than ten inches of rain annually. Therefore, this makes water one of its most limited resources. With more people moving in and less water in the Rio Grande River, El Paso faces a serious challenge.

To solve this, the city created the Pure Water El Paso Project (El Paso Water). This project transforms treated wastewater into clean drinking water. Additionally, it is also one of the first large-scale systems of its kind in the United States (PPI International).

‍Why El Paso Needs This Project‍

For years, El Paso has worked hard to lower water consumption. The city encourages families to save water through rebates and conservation programs. Furthermore, people install efficient showerheads, fix leaks, and use less lawn irrigation. Even so, drought and population growth are making old water sources less reliable.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Environmental Assessment for the Advanced Water Purification Facility, future water demand in El Paso is expected to exceed current supplies within the next decade. This assessment shows how critical new water solutions are to meet the city’s growing needs. 

As a result, to avoid shortages, El Paso began developing a long-term plan to reuse treated water safely. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), reclaimed wastewater can supply water for many purposes and free up freshwater to be used as clean drinking water. 

‍Transforming Wastewater into Clean Drinking Water‍

Turning wastewater into clean drinking water might sound complex, but it’s really a step-by-step process. It typically involves:

1. Microfiltration: Tiny filters remove dirt, sand, and bacteria.
2. Reverse Osmosis: Water passes through thin membranes that trap salts, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
3. Ultraviolet Light and Oxidation: Strong light and oxygen reactions destroy any leftover germs or small particles.
4. Mineral Balance: Clean minerals are added back to improve taste and meet health standards.

Each step is assessed carefully using sensors to check the water’s quality every second. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) confirms that potable reuse systems meet or exceed all safety guidelines for drinking water. Furthermore, similar potable reuse projects in the United States show that advanced filtration and oxidation can safely transform wastewater into clean drinking water.

‍Benefits for the Community

The Pure Water El Paso Project benefits both people and nature.

• Steady water supply: The city will have sufficient water even during dry years.
• Cleaner environment: Less wastewater goes into the Rio Grande.
• Local control: The city won’t need to import as much water from other areas.
• Cost savings: Making water locally is cheaper than transporting it long distances.

Additionally, this project also inspires other cities like Phoenix, which is recharging reclaimed water into aquifers, and San Diego, where potable reuse is already underway. Modern wastewater treatment methods continue to improve water quality and support healthier aquatic ecosystems across the country.

‍Community Involvement

Public understanding is an important part of this project. El Paso Water offers tours of the pilot plant and community events to explain how the system works. Visitors can see the equipment, test samples, and even taste the treated water.

These events help people feel confident that the water is clean and safe. Furthermore, schools also partner with El Paso Water to teach students about recycling and conservation. The EPA Water Reuse Program supports similar efforts across the country.

‍What You Can Do

You don’t have to live in Texas to help protect water. Simple changes at home make a big difference:

• Fix leaks and dripping taps.
• Turn off the water while brushing or cleaning.
• Collect rainwater for outdoor plants.
• Use water-saving appliances.
• Learn about local conservation programs and share information with friends.

Every drop matters. Small changes add up to big results when entire communities take part. Lastly, El Paso’s Pure Water Project shows that big problems can have smart, science-based answers. By reusing water smartly, the city is protecting its future and setting an example for others. The project proves that technology and community action together can keep clean water flowing even in the driest parts of the country.

‍