More than 100,000 residents in El Paso, Texas, experienced significant water disruptions due to a major water main break over the weekend. City officials announced that services would likely not return to normal until midweek, leaving many without adequate water supply.
Details of the Incident
The break occurred late Saturday night in a 36-inch water main line. El Paso, a city with a population of approximately 700,000, faced severe consequences from this incident. Gilbert Trejo, a representative from El Paso Water, described the situation as “an event of unprecedented proportion.”
Impact on Residents
- Over 100,000 residents affected.
- Approximately 38,000 customer connections were disrupted.
- More than 15 water reservoirs were significantly drained.
In response to the break, officials issued a boil water notice. Water distribution centers were established to assist residents. Additionally, classes were suspended at more than a dozen schools within the El Paso Independent School District. Although some schools remained operational, they were also under the boil water directive.
Ongoing Repair Efforts
Trejo noted that the design of the pipeline and the connections of smaller lines contributed to the incident’s severity. As repairs continue, officials are investigating the cause of the break, urging residents to remain patient during the restoration process.
