Sparks Colonia to receive water and wastewater services soon

Water is coming to the Sparks Colonia in far east El Paso.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Vince Perez says for nearly 40 years, people who live in the neighborhood have fought for water and sewage services.

The group of homes is near Horizon City, off of Harnose Drive and Zabel Lane. On Monday afternoon, a groundbreaking ceremony will kick off construction so that the Lower Valley Water District can deliver the vital utility.

Due to the lack of water services, a large water tank sits in one family’s front yard and costs $60 a month to fill.

Perez worked with six different taxing agencies to acquire the necessary land. The Lower Valley Water District will provide services through its shortline-extension program. The project means people who live on or near Zabel Lane will finally have water for drinking, cooking, bathing and cleaning.

The groundbreaking will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at 949 Zabel Lane.

“After decades of failed promises that were made to them (residents), I’m very happy we were able to help them,” Perez said in a written statement. “I’m also very grateful to all the taxing jurisdictions that helped make this possible.”

The six entities are: El Paso Community College, University Medical Center, Socorro Independent School District, Emergency Services District #2, Lower Valley Water District and El Paso County. All of the taxing entities approved the purchase of the land unanimously.

Sparks Colonia homes went without services for many years due to land owners who subdivided lots illegally decades ago in order to maximize profit, according to Perez.