Applying for Reclaimed Water

The application process for Reclaimed Water Service is initiated by a customer requesting permanent or temporary service. Most forms are available for download in this website. Some forms and agreements may need to be customized to address specific conditions of service, as determined by EPWU. For questions or assistance in completing any of these forms, please contact the Water Reclamation Staff at (915) 594-5772 or (915) 594-5443.

Permanent Service Connection for Irrigation Purposes

An Application for Reclaimed Water Service is filled out and submitted to New Installations Department located on the 3rd floor of the Main Office at 1125 Hawkins Blvd. or to the Water Reclamation Department located at the Field Office-Annex Building at 209 North Lee Street. Reclaimed water availability is determined based on the information provided by the applicant on this form.

Once the application is approved, a User Agreement is issued to the Applicant for his/her signature and a work order is prepared for determination of installation costs and fees. If the Application is approved by EPWU and the installation costs are acceptable to the Applicant, he or she must fill out two (2) original sets of the User Agreement and return them to the Water Reclamation Department for final approval by the General Manager and Legal Counsel. An original, fully executed User Agreement will be returned to the Applicant.

The User Agreement is a legal document executed by the Legal Owner of the property where reclaimed water will be applied or his/her Authorized Agent and the El Paso Water Utilities through its General Manager and Legal Counsel. This document outlines the obligations and responsibilities of both parties and the terms and conditions for receiving reclaimed water service. It also includes other requirements as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the El Paso Water Utilities’ Public Service Board.

Applicants requesting reclaimed water service for industrial uses, or uses other than irrigation will be issued a User Agreement specific to the proposed use. Applicants requesting reclaimed water service for irrigation uses may download the User Agreement for Irrigation with Reclaimed Water from this web site.

After all installation costs and related fees are paid by the Applicant, EPWU will release the installation of the service(s) requested.

Activating a Reclaimed Water Service

Reclaimed Water Service is strictly regulated by the State and EPWU-PSB; therefore, activation of a reclaimed water service connection will not take place until a thorough and satisfactory Cross-Connection Prevention Inspection is performed jointly by the EPWU and the City of El Paso Building Permits and Inspections (BPI) Department. It is the Customer’s responsibility to coordinate and obtain all City permits (landscape, plumbing, mechanical, etc.) and related inspections directly with the City of El Paso or the BPI Landscape Plan Reviewer.

Temporary Service (Standpipe)

Temporary Service is also available for customers needing reclaimed water for construction activities such as dust control, street cleaning, soil compaction, etc., using water trucks. Customers may obtain this service from any of the EPWU’s Wastewater Treatment Plants. Service from reclaimed water fire hydrants (post-hydrants) may be available in some cases. Customers must fill out and submit an Application for Reclaimed Water from Standpipes to the Treatment Plant or to the Water Reclamation Department prior to obtaining service. Reclaimed water will be billed according to the current reclaimed water rates.

Applying for Reclaimed Water Variance/Permit

One of the most attractive benefits with using Reclaimed Water for irrigation, apart from the billing rate, is the ability to use it beyond the days mandated by City Ordinance (odd/even address watering schedule). Reclaimed water customers are also exempt from drought watering restriction.

Due to the growing number of reclaimed water customers and continued support from the community in reporting water waste, EPWU established an Application for Reclaimed Water Variance/Permit for use by its reclaimed water customers. This intends to allocate adequate supply of reclaimed water to all users during periods of expected high and low demands while maintaining optimal reclaimed water quality at all times. It also helps our Water Conservation Inspectors avoid unnecessary trips and “Water Waste” citations to sites reported to be watering on the “wrong” day or time.

An application for Reclaimed Water Variance/Permit must be filled out and submitted to EPWU Water Reclamation Department every time a User desires to change his/her water use schedule or amount.