Background
In 2018, water service coverage was estimated at 96% of the population and wastewater collection at only 21%. However, the sewer system has exceeded its useful life and is showing signs of deterioration along its entire length, resulting in leaks and overflows from various manholes. Recurring problems with the lift station and force main that convey wastewater to the existing treatment system have also resulted in raw wastewater discharges that eventually flow into the Rio Grande River. Residents in the rest of the city dispose of their wastewater in substandard septic tanks, latrines and cesspools, which pose a serious risk for contamination of surface and groundwater resources.
Description
The project consists of the expansion and rehabilitation of the wastewater collection and treatment system.
Objective
The purpose of the Project is to provide first-time access to wastewater services to 2,644 homes in unserved areas of the city, as well as improved service to 720 homes already connected to the wastewater collection system. The new infrastructure will also provide the capacity to treat 26 liters per second (lps) or 0.59 million gallons a day (mgd) of wastewater and improve the quality of the effluent discharged to receiving water bodies, thereby helping to reduce water pollution and the risk of waterborne diseases.
