Water Rights and Irrigation in El Paso.
In El Paso’s arid climate, water is a precious and legally regulated resource. Understanding water rights and irrigation systems is crucial for property owners.
Water rights are governed by the state's "prior appropriation" doctrine, often summarized as "first in time, first in right." This means the oldest water rights have priority during shortages. In El Paso, water comes from two primary sources:
1. Rio Grande Surface Water: Rights to this water are allocated by the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1. These are senior rights but are shared with New Mexico and Mexico under an international treaty, making them subject to availability based on river flow and reservoir levels.
2. Groundwater (Hueco Bolson and Mesilla Aquifers): This is managed by the El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU) and the Public Service Board. Pumping is heavily regulated to prevent over-drafting the aquifer, which is a declining resource. Most properties are connected to the municipal system, and their rights are tied to that service.
For irrigation, many older properties, especially on the Eastside, have a separate "irrigation water" service from EPWU. This delivers untreated canal water from the Rio Grande for landscaping at a lower cost than potable water. However, this supply is seasonal (typically March to October) and not guaranteed every year.
Properties without this special irrigation service must use potable (drinkable) city water for outdoor watering, which is more expensive. All property owners are subject to the city's drought ordinances, which dictate specific watering days and times to conserve water.
Therefore, when purchasing property in El Paso, it is essential to determine the type of water rights and irrigation system in place, as they significantly impact landscaping capabilities, monthly costs, and the property's long-term value in a water-scarce region. Visit www.epcasabyowner.com and find your dream home in El paso, TX.