Desalination of Brackish Groundwater and Deep Well Injection of Concentrate in El Paso, Texas

El Paso has relied on the Hueco Bolson as a major water supply source since 1903. As a result of high pumping, groundwater levels in the Hueco have declined and brackish groundwater has intruded into areas that historically yielded fresh groundwater. El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) began reducing its Hueco pumping in 1989 as a result of a variety of water management initiatives. The reduction in pumping resulted in stabilized groundwater levels in many areas. However, brackish groundwater intrusion remains an issue. A 27.5 mgd desalination plant has recently been completed that will result in reductions in brackish groundwater intrusion, and allow EPWU to better utilize its fresh groundwater wells during droughts. The location of the pumping wells will provide an opportunity to intercept the brackish groundwater before it intrudes into historically fresh groundwater areas. This approach is a component of EPWU's overall groundwater management of the Hueco Bolson.