46 AUGUST 2021 WorldWide Drilling El Paso Wells ~ Surviving the Shortage Compiled the Editorial Staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Texas, El Paso Water (EPWater) officials said a dry monsoon season left water levels at Elephant Butte at lows last seen around 2013, so they prepared for less water to be available from the Rio Grande reservoir in 2021. Snowfall and rainfall runoff from Colorado decreased over the past year, leaving water levels at Elephant Butte at 4%. It would take a significant snowfall in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico to recover. Since EPWater anticipated a limited river water supply in El Paso until June 2021, three months later than expected, they took proactive measures to ensure an adequate water supply. The utility presented a drought resolution to the Public Service Board, which passed it. Scott Reinert, water resources manager for EPWater said, “The resolution they approved will allow us to expedite drilling and equipping wells with pumps so they can be ready for service next June.” The utility drilled six wells in 2019, and is preparing to drill six additional wells for 2021, to meet increasing water demands at the hottest time of the year. One of the new wells is in east El Paso, next to Travis White Park and surrounded by established neighborhoods. Before any drilling work started, EPWater reached out to residents living close to the site to advise them of the increased level of noise. Because drilling happens around the clock, the utility invested in a sound curtain meant to minimize the noise during construction. Reinert said, “Our customers understand that water is precious in the desert.” He pointed out the drilling contractor being mindful of the residents, which, in turn, resulted in their patience and understanding. Tom Scrivner, one of the residents said, “The drilling does have some noise, but El Paso Water was nice enough to put up that perimeter.” The geology of El Paso plays an important role in determining how quickly water can be pumped into a well. As crews drill 580 feet into the ground, they encounter layers of sand, silt, clay, and gravel. “Ideally, the best material is sand or gravel because water moves through it quicker,” added Reinert. Clay, on the other hand, will slow down the movement of water, resulting in less production. Metal casings weighing 3000 pounds each are inserted vertically into the drilled well to keep it open. The casing also prevents earth materials from collapsing into the well or mixing with the water. The first casing installed is perforated, serving as a screen to filter out sediment and allow water to flow into the well. Estimates are for the six new wells to pump an additional six million gallons of water per day to ensure water demands for the city are met. Photo courtesy of EPWater. WTR N me D o d au l nnn A noc ROS ™tseFllir dee id Wdl W roW P H S O nwoD eS
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