October 2025     l    A message from John Balliew, P.E. President/CEO

El Paso Water is building a resilient, sustainable and energy-efficient water future.

For our efforts, we recently received Utility of the Future Today, a national recognition during the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference. We are honored to serve as a national example for excellence and innovation in our industry.

The award celebrates progressive utilities that demonstrate innovation, sustainability and exemplary leadership in water resource recovery. EPWater was recognized for our commitment to energy efficiency.

Vice President Adam Wickersham receives the Utility of the Future Today award for EPWater.  

Strides in energy efficiency

We began a partnership with Suez in North America in 2012, which led to implementing a real-time optimization system to help support efficient operations. Over time, the evolving project has helped deliver many more efficiencies.

Suez created the Aquadvanced Water Supply software to continuously analyze data from across our water distribution system ─ including tank levels, demand patterns and energy pricing ─ and recommend efficient operating scenarios. The technology provides a total pump and valve schedule every 30 minutes for our Central Control employees. This helps team members optimize wells and the water distribution system ─ all in real time.

With this algorithm, operators know the best time to fill up about 80 water reservoirs across town. Using the least amount of energy possible, the cost-effective technology is maintaining water pressure throughout the system, avoiding overflow or reduction.  

Implementing the Aquadvanced Water Supply software meant reprogramming our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition network system to support our new energy-conscious operations. Additionally, Central Control employees adapted their daily operational practices to align with our goals. 

The results are impressive. The Aquadvanced Water Supply software:

A team effort

Coordination was essential between our Engineering, SCADA/Information Technology and Field Operations teams to ease integration across the utility. Our operations staff received training and ongoing support to ensure an understanding of the system changes and benefits of energy-efficient decision-making.

The Aquadvanced system made it possible for our teams to continuously fine-tune pump operations, reduce energy consumption and maintain high service standards. Additionally, we coordinated with El Paso Electric to establish long-term energy savings.

As one of our preliminary endeavors in artificial intelligence, the $3 million technology has paid for itself many times over. By providing our Central Control operators with a comprehensive tool, we have ensured that the human aspect remains a key component to water management.

We care about the community and our environment and take our role as responsible stewards of our land and water resources seriously.

Through continued innovation and mindful conservation efforts, we are committed to building a more resilient and efficient utility for our city’s future.