Aquifer Recharge and Beneficial Reuse in El Paso, Texas
Presented on Monday, March 16, 2015
Scott Reinert, PE, PG, El Paso Water Utilities, El Paso, TX
El Paso Water Utilities has used highly treated reclaimed water for aquifer recharge since 1985. During this time, more than 75,000 acre-feet of water has been recharged to the aquifer. Aquifer recharge coupled with water conservation, increased use of surface water, and a reduction in the pumping of groundwater has allowed groundwater levels to stabilize. El Paso is the only city in the state of Texas with an aquifer recharge program which uses highly treated effluent as its source of recharge. Conceptual plans are underway to utilize excess treated surface water as an additional source of aquifer recharge. During a full river allocation, up to 5000 acre-feet of excess surface water is available for aquifer recharge in the early portion of the irrigation season before the peak demands of summer. El Paso Water Utilities has included the use of treated surface water for aquifer recharge in its State Water Plan. Aquifer recharge and use of reclaimed water are beneficial to the long-term sustainability of the groundwater resource.
Scott Reinert, PE, PG
El Paso Water Utilities, El Paso, TX
Mr. Reinert manages well drilling and equipping projects, and water resources planning for the El Paso Water Utilities. He has 25 years of experience in water resources and water supply projects as a hydrogeologist and civil engineer. Mr. Reinert worked at Jacobs Engineering and Geohydrology Associates, Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico before being hired by El Paso Water Utilities in 1999. Mr. Reinert has served as project manager and lead engineer for well drilling and equipping projects with the Utilities. This includes design of the wells, pumps and supporting infrastructure to connect new wells into the EPWU distribution system. Mr. Reinert has served as the project manager for groundwater modeling studies of the Hueco and Mesilla Bolsons. He is the Vice Chairman of Far West Texas Regional Water Planning Group which is responsible for preparing the 2016 Far West Texas Regional Water Plan. The 50 year water plan includes population and demand projections as well as water supply strategies and costs. Mr. Reinert is on the Board of Directors for the Multi State Salinity Coalition which promotes advancements in technologies for desalination and water reuse.
Mr. Reinert earned a bachelor’s degree in geology at McMurry College and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Colorado State University. He is a registered Professional Geologist and Professional Engineer in Texas and a registered Certified Scientist in New Mexico.
