Get a first-hand look where 12 million gallons of wastewater are treated daily from nearby homes, businesses and industries. See how the reclaimed water is sent to irrigation and industrial users. Every gallon of reclaimed water used reduces the amount of water pumped from the Hueco Bolson aquifer or diverted from the Rio Grande.

You will find out that the Fred Hervey Water Reclamation Plant further treats reclaimed water to drinking water standards and uses it to replenish the aquifer through injection wells and infiltration basins. It was among the first in the nation to create drinking-quality water by treating used water and demonstrate the feasibility of artificial aquifer recharge. Since 1985, the plant has returned nearly 30 billion gallons of water to the aquifer.

Expect a wastewater smell. Some areas are worse than others. The tour is a combination of inside and outside locations. Outdoor locations will be sunny and hot, so wear a hat, use sunscreen, bring plenty of water and perhaps an umbrella.

 Meet at 11700 Railroad Drive. To get to the facility, you turn off of Railroad onto an access road that takes you to the plant. You can park at the plant. There can be a wastewater smell – some areas are worse than other areas. If people want to wear a mask, that’s fine. The tour is a combination of inside and outside locations, but the outdoor locations can be sunny and hot.

Learn more about the upcoming Advanced Water Purification Facility that will produce up to 10 million gallons of water per day of purified water.