El Paso's Water Supply Is Moving Out — But Not If These Ideas Work

El Paso, TX, faces significant water challenges due to climate change and overuse of groundwater. The city is home to the world's largest inland desalination plant, which plays a crucial role in making salty water drinkable. The Rio Grande, a vital water source, is heavily managed, and climate change exacerbates water scarcity. El Paso is innovating with brackish water treatment and wastewater recycling to address these issues. The EPA recognizes El Paso's efforts as exemplary, highlighting the importance of proactive water management to ensure a sustainable future.

What is the primary function of the desalination plant in El Paso?

• To make salty water drinkable

• To generate electricity

• To cool down the city

• To provide irrigation for agriculture

How has climate change affected the Rio Grande's water supply?

• Increased water levels

• Reduced snowmelt feeding the river

• Improved water quality

• More frequent flooding

What innovative solution is El Paso using to address water scarcity?

• Reducing water consumption by 50%

• Building more dams

• Desalination and wastewater recycling

• Importing water from other states

What percentage of America's wastewater is currently being recycled?

• 10%

• 25%

• 50%

• 6%

What is a potential consequence of water scarcity in El Paso?

• More rainfall

• Strain on agriculture

• Increased tourism

• Higher property values

How might water scarcity affect international relations between El Paso and Juarez?

• It could lead to increased cooperation

• It could cause tension across the border

• It would improve trade relations

• It would have no impact

What is one of the main reasons for the urgency in water management in El Paso?

• To increase tourism

• To prevent flooding

• To address climate change impacts

• To build more infrastructure