El Paso, TX – EPWater is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate the region’s most vital resource at the 2026 Water Festival. The free, all‑day event will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the TecH₂O Learning Center, 10751 Montana Ave.
Festival Highlights for the Whole Family
Festival attendees can enjoy a variety of hands‑on activities, including watercolor art sessions, water‑related demonstrations, and interactive art projects. Live entertainment will feature the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Dancers, local musician Dash Rivera, and the El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble, providing music and dance that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.
Exhibition booths will showcase local organizations such as the El Paso Zoo, El Paso Fire Department, Conservation Society of El Paso, El Paso Electric, and The American Cultural Center, among others. Food vendors will be stationed in front of the TecH₂O Center, offering a range of family‑friendly options.
First‑Time Public Tours of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
For the first time, EPWater is opening the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant – the world’s largest inland desalination facility – to the public. Guided tours, led by plant employees, will run every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants must be 14 years or older and complete a brief registration and security check before joining a tour.
The plant’s tours provide a rare look at how advanced desalination technology turns brackish water into a reliable source for the community, supporting El Paso’s growth while conserving precious water supplies.
How to Attend
All festival activities are free, but visitors who wish to tour the desalination plant must register in advance. Registration can be completed by calling 915‑621‑2000. No prior experience is required, and the tours are designed to be educational for both teens and adults.
EPWater encourages families, students, and anyone interested in water stewardship to join the celebration. The event underscores the importance of responsible water use and highlights local initiatives that protect this essential resource for future generations.
About EPWater
EPWater, the public water utility for the El Paso region, manages water supply, treatment, and distribution for more than 800,000 residents. Through community outreach and education, EPWater aims to foster a culture of conservation and appreciation for the water that sustains the city’s homes, businesses, and agriculture.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
