El Paso Water responds to over 100 calls for help during monsoon season

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Water said it received more than 100 calls to extract water during this year's monsoon season. Hurricane Polo brought heavy rain and a longer monsoon season than usual, keeping EPWater busy before and after downpours.

Water flooded streets, blocked access and approached homes across El Paso. EPWater's Stormwater Management crews worked to remove standing water, maintain drainage systems and provide sandbags.

The utility said it distributed more than 150,000 sandbags this monsoon season to protect properties.

At peak response, EPWater deployed 14 trucks to extract water. The utility said some locations needed multiple trucks for extended periods.

EPWater Operations Assistant Jorge Gomez said the area near Betwel Drive and Warwick Road in the Lower Valley demanded a lot of attention. Police blocked streets while crews used trucks, pumps and hoses.

“We had to go behind the barricades, slosh through knee-high water and mud to get the pumps set up,” Gomez said. “You want to do it as quickly as possible, but it’s a slow and steady process.”

After the rain eased, crews replenished sandbag supplies, inspected inlets and identified maintenance and rehabilitation needs.