Improving Access to Clean Water and Wastewater Services

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The lack of access to clean drinking water and wastewater services is one of the most pressing issues that a vulnerable sector of the community in El Paso County, Texas still faces today. For many generations, colonia residents have been without access to these basic human services resulting in several negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of El Paso County’s residents, including the risk of water borne diseases and the ongoing high cost of bottled water. Colonias are characterized as unincorporated communities that lack basic services such as potable water, wastewater services, electricity and/or paved roads. In response to this need, El Paso County is currently undertaking an initiative to provide drinking water and wastewater services to about 6,000 people. More than $45 million have been allocated to carry out more than a dozen projects to benefit colonia residents throughout the county. Construction of these projects have already begun or will start construction later this year. Most projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. By providing water and wastewater services, County leaders will ensure that colonia residents enjoy the same basic human services as most residents in the United States.