Woman escorted out of PSB meeting charged
Update (January 16, 2026): El Paso Water is addressing the arrest of Natasha Acevedo, who is accused of disrupting a Public Service Board meeting this week.
"The individual who was arrested was not removed for expressing opinions, but for disruptive and aggressive conduct that occurred prior to the public comment portion of the meeting," El Paso Water stated. "Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, the disruption continued. Her actions created safety concerns for Board members and staff while the meeting was in progress. El Paso Water remains committed to conducting public meetings in a manner that supports public participation while ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all attendees. We are grateful to law enforcement officers who acted to maintain order and allow the meeting to continue."
UPDATE (7:30 a.m.) -- El Paso Police arrested the woman escorted out of Wednesday's meeting.
35-year-old Natasha Cristina Acevedo was told the meeting room reached capacity, according to EPPD. Acevedo alleged the water supply was "contaminated and that businesses were selling contaminated
products."
Police added, Acevedo continued yelling, interrupting the meeting, while they escorted her out.
Acevedo was placed under arrest for Disrupting Meeting or Procession and Resisting Arrest Search
or Transport.
Update (1:02 PM): The Public Service Board approved a new budget, which includes the proposed rate increases. The vote was five to two in favor, with Mayor Renard Johnson voting against.
Update (11:14 PM): The Public Service Board, which oversees El Paso Water, was having a meeting this morning. Up for discussion: the recent water main break in Northeast El Paso that caused service disruptions for thousands of El Pasoans. At the meeting this morning, a woman was escorted by police officers for allegedly causing a disruption. Watch the video in the media player above. Get the full story on our evening newscasts.
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Public Service Board is receiving updates and took action to approve funds for the emergency repairs of the water main break that left tens of thousands of people in northeast and central El Paso with low pressure or no water service since this weekend.
El Paso Water staff reported Wednesday that all service had been restored, but that all the impacted areas are still under a boil water notice as repairs continue to the 36-inch water main and testing of the treatment levels of the system continue.
The PSB also took action to approve emergency repairs to a deteriorating wastewater pipeline going into the John T. Hickerson Wastewater Treatment near I-10 and Executive Center Blvd., serving most of the westside. Staff presented that the 48-inch pipeline is about 40 years old, and will require replacement as the pipe shows a level of pitting that could lead to it breaking if not addressed.
