El Paso Water Reclaimed Water Master Plan

The Northwest Reclaimed Water System distributes reclaimed water from the John T. Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility (Hickerson WRF) as irrigation water to El Paso Water (EPWater) customers on the northwest side of the city. The reclaimed water irrigates the golf course in the area, city parks, school grounds, apartment landscapes, construction, and industrial sites. EPWater selected Garver to support their asset management plan and develop a Reclaimed Water Master Plan for their reclaimed water system’s northwest zone.

Working closely with EPW, Garver conducted a comprehensive review of EPW’s data and existing assets for a better understanding of their existing system. We developed a draft demand analysis to determine flow rates and customer usage for each area of the system. Our condition assessment of the existing infrastructure evaluated six pump stations, above grade piping and valves, structural systems, electrical components, and cathodic protection systems. This review equipped us with valuable data and analysis for making informed projections about future needs.

Then we developed a hydraulic model of the system to determine existing pump operational performance. This hydraulic model incorporated updated data for the reclaimed water mains, storage tanks, booster pumps and customer demands. We performed field wire-to-water testing to calibrate the hydraulic model. To increase system redundancy, we developed potable water scenarios for low, moderate, and high demand conditions to supplement the reclaimed water system and provide redundant water supply. This hydraulic model will be used for planning purposes and to provide an assessment of the existing infrastructure and operations as well as for evaluating the hydraulics of proposed system updates.

Lastly, Garver will provide a risk analysis by developing evaluation criteria for assigning likelihood of failure (LOF), consequence of failure (COF and risk mitigation system facilities which will be explained in a risk analysis technical memorandum. Using these criteria, we assessed their existing infrastructure and developed capital improvement plans that prioritized critical projects. Garver will develop a master plan report that will compile all findings and proposed projects of this system.