A special groundbreaking ceremony took place in El Paso over the weekend for what is being called the first advanced water purification system in the United States. However, some Texans—especially those in Wichita Falls—might dispute that claim.
Texas Cities Face Water Shortages
With ongoing drought conditions, many Texas cities are turning to alternative water solutions to ensure residents have access to clean water. Common water-saving measures include:
- Limiting outdoor watering
- Encouraging water-efficient appliances
- Restricting car washing
- Rationing water usage
But when droughts persist, conservation alone isn’t enough. That’s where El Paso’s Pure Water Center comes in.
El Paso’s New “Pure Water Center”
- What it does: The new facility will treat 10 million gallons of wastewater per day, turning it into high-quality drinking water.
- Expected completion: The center is scheduled to become operational in 2028.
- The claim: Officials are calling it the first advanced purification system of its kind in the U.S.
However, Wichita Falls residents may disagree with that last part.
Wichita Falls Did It First – Almost a Decade Ago
Back in 2014, Wichita Falls launched the Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) Project, making national headlines for recycling wastewater into drinking water.
- Processed 16 million gallons per day (more than El Paso’s planned system)
- Discharged treated water to Lake Arrowhead via a 17-mile pipeline
- Received national attention, including jokes from Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show
In fact, the project was so widely discussed that CBS News ran stories with the headline “From Toilet to Tap.” Wichita Falls residents even made T-shirts celebrating the moment.
A Step Forward for Water Conservation
While El Paso’s facility will be an important advancement, it’s not the first in the country. But regardless of who was first, the bigger picture is clear—Texas cities must continue investing in water solutions to combat droughts and ensure a sustainable future.
Hopefully, El Paso’s Pure Water Center will be up and running in the next few years, proving that water recycling and reuse is not just a necessity but a viable, long-term solution.