El Paso Water Drops Two Budget Options
The Public Service Board eliminated high-risk and lean water and wastewater proposals and advanced an accelerated stormwater budget.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Utilities
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El Paso Water's Public Service Board voted Wednesday to drop the high-risk and lean options from its water and wastewater budget proposals, narrowing the field from four to two. The board also directed staff to move forward with discussions on an accelerated stormwater budget proposal.
Why it matters
The remaining water and wastewater alternatives represent a tradeoff between system reliability and customer affordability for El Paso ratepayers. The final budget decision will shape how the utility funds its infrastructure needs in the coming years.
The High Risk scenario would eliminate 300 positions and significantly delay or cancel projects at four treatment plants, while the Lean scenario would eliminate about 140 positions and delay 21 projects. The remaining alternatives are still under board review ahead of a January vote.
The players
El Paso Water Public Service Board
The governing board of El Paso Water, the regional utility responsible for providing water and wastewater services to the city.
The details
The board voted to drop the high-risk and lean options for the water and wastewater proposal, leaving one alternative that leans toward higher reliability and one that leans toward affordability. The board separately voted to have staff advance discussions on the accelerated stormwater budget proposal.
Timeline
Wednesday (November 2026): The Public Service Board drops two water and wastewater options and advances the stormwater proposal.
January 2027: The board is expected to hold a final vote on the budget.
Roadmap
The budget debate centers on how El Paso Water funds major projects such as the Pure Water Center, which the High Risk scenario would delay or cancel. Choosing between reliability and affordability sets the pace of the utility's long-term infrastructure program.
The final budget will determine future water and wastewater rates for El Paso households and businesses. Residents who want to follow the decision can track the board's January vote through El Paso Water's public meetings.
The takeaway
The board's choice between reliability and affordability will set the financial path for El Paso's water system. Ratepayers who want to weigh in should watch the January budget vote.
What happens next
The Public Service Board is expected to take a final vote on the water and wastewater budget in January.
Further reading
For more on regional infrastructure planning, see our Utilities coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDBC.
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