2007 Ground Water Summit

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 : 1:50 p.m.

Desalination of Brackish Ground Water in El Paso, Texas

William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G, El Paso Water Utilities

El Paso has relied on the Hueco Bolson as a major water supply source since 1903.  As a result of high pumping, groundwater levels in the Hueco have declined and brackish groundwater has intruded into areas that historically yielded fresh groundwater.  El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) began reducing its Hueco pumping in 1989.  This action was made possible by a variety of water management initiatives including increased water conservation, increased surface water diversions, and increased reclaimed water use.  The reduction in pumping has resulted in stabilized groundwater levels in many areas.  However, brackish groundwater intrusion remains an issue. 

 A 27.5 mgd desalination plant is currently under construction that will result in reductions in brackish groundwater intrusion, and allow EPWU to better utilize its fresh groundwater wells during droughts.  The location of the pumping wells will provide an opportunity to intercept the brackish groundwater before it intrudes into historically fresh groundwater areas.  This approach is a component of EPWU’s overall groundwater management of the Hueco Bolson. 

William R. Hutchison, Ph.D., P.E., P.G, El Paso Water Utilities Bill Hutchison has over 25 years of experience as a hydrogeologist, and is licensed as a Professional Engineer and Professional Geoscientist in Texas. He has been at El Paso Water Utilities since 2001, and currently serves as the Water Resources Manager. He has a BS from the University of California, Davis, an MS from the University of Arizona, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at El Paso.


The 2007 Ground Water Summit