POSTED: Sunday, February 6, 2011 - 4:43pm
UPDATED: Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - 2:39pm
EL PASO— The Mayor of El Paso has declared a water emergency after the recent weather left damage across the Sun City.
The water emergency, under the city's drought and water emergency code, declared by Mayor John Cook allows the El Paso Water Utilities to enforce mandatory water restrictions that are currently in effect.
EPWU has said that if car washes, laundromats, and industrial users do not follow these rules, their water supply will be shut off. The mandatory water restrictions will be in effect until further notice. E
EPWU is also asking the public to not wash their cars, use dishwashers, clothes washing machines, shower, or use anything else that will use large amounts of water. EPWU said the only exception is water used for public safety purposes like hospitals and other emergency medical facilities.
EPWU also advised for the entire city to boil water before consumption. The low water levels in the reservoirs and broken pipes on private properties can lead to possible contamination in the water supply.
The water emergency by Mayor Cook is due to the rolling blackouts, freezing temperatures that caused damage to facilities and lines, and pipe leaks throughout the city. Reservoir levels are also low, and equipment is being repaired.
Press Release by Mayor Cook:
February 6, 2011
EL PASO – Water Emergency Declaration by Mayor Cook
The rolling blackouts in which the EPWU participated to assist El Paso Electric and the extreme low temperatures the region experienced have seriously depleted water levels in the system’s reservoirs. I am, therefore, declaring a water emergency due to these factors. In accordance with Municipal Code section 15.13.120, the El Paso Water Utilities is authorized to implement additional restrictions on the use of water from the City’s water supply system. Ed Archuleta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the El Paso Water Utilities is authorized to impose additional restrictions on the use of water until reservoir levels are adequate.
John F. Cook, Mayor
City of El Paso