El Paso Water reported a surge of emergency requests this monsoon season, fielding more than 100 calls for water extraction as heavy rain from Hurricane Polo inundated streets and approached residential areas throughout the city.

Rapid response to flooding

Stormwater Management crews worked around the clock to remove standing water, keep drainage systems clear and provide sandbags to protect properties. The utility distributed over 150,000 sandbags during the season, a key measure for homeowners facing rising water levels.

At the height of the response, EPWater deployed 14 trucks equipped with pumps and hoses. Some locations required multiple trucks for extended periods, underscoring the intensity of the flooding in certain neighborhoods.

Focus on the Lower Valley

Operations Assistant Jorge Gomez highlighted the Lower Valley area near Betwel Drive and Warwick Road as a hotspot for water removal efforts. Police temporarily blocked streets while crews maneuvered trucks, pumps and hoses through knee‑deep water and mud.

“We had to go behind the barricades, slosh through knee‑high water and mud to get the pumps set up,” Gomez said. “You want to do it as quickly as possible, but it’s a slow and steady process.”

Post‑storm actions

After the rain eased, EPWater crews replenished sandbag supplies, inspected inlets and identified maintenance and rehabilitation needs for the city’s drainage infrastructure. These follow‑up steps aim to improve the system’s resilience for future monsoon events.

The utility’s proactive approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding El Paso residents and maintaining essential public‑works services during extreme weather. By mobilizing resources quickly and keeping the community informed, EPWater helped mitigate damage and protect homes throughout the monsoon season.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.