EPWU INAUGURATES EXPANSION OF FRED HERVEY WATER RECLAMATION PLANT News Release Contact: Christina Montoya, Vice President – Marketing and Communication 915-594-5596 (office), e-mail: cmontoya@epwu.org Date: April 18, 2012 Plant expansion increases reliable supply of reclaimed water for irrigation, industrial customers, aquifer recharge and desert wetlands WHO: El Paso Water Utilities Public Service Board WHAT: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony WHERE: Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant 11700 Railroad Drive, Northeast El Paso (Plant entrance is on the right side of the road, 3 miles north of Loop 375/Transmountain Road) WHEN: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 10am WHY: B-roll/photos of completed plant expansion B-roll/photos of nearby desert wetlands Interviews with EPWU, PSB, and plant officials EL PASO – Leaders will ceremonially cut the ribbon on a $16.3 million expansion at El Paso Water Utilities' Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant on Wednesday morning. The expansion will help accommodate the growing need for wastewater services in Northeast El Paso and at Fort Bliss. While none of the water produced at the plant is directly distributed as drinking water, the plant treats wastewater to drinking water standards. Water produced there is used in cooling towers at El Paso Electric's Newman Power Plant, to irrigate Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, to provide wildlife habitat in a nearby desert wetland, and to help re-charge the Hueco Bolson Aquifer. The Hueco Bolson, along with the Rio Grande, is a major source of El Paso's drinking water. The expansion increases the plant's capacity from 10 million to 12 million gallons per day and adds a third treatment train to the plant. The Fred Hervey Plant has achieved Platinum Status from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for 100 percent compliance with all environmental standards.