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El Paso Water Acquires Cement Lake Property Without Inspecting Failing Dam

El Paso Matters••Robert Moore
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El Paso Water recently purchased a 300-acre site in the Upper Valley, known as Cement Lake, for open space preservation. However, the utility did not conduct a structural assessment of a 117-year-old dam on the property, which has now been identified as at risk of breaching. The dam, which has not been inspected since 1996, is currently being drained to prevent potential flooding. Nearby businesses, including Rosa’s Cantina, have temporarily closed due to safety concerns. The property was acquired from TxDOT for $4 million and an additional property valued at $7.5 million. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality noted that the dam is categorized as low-hazard, meaning its failure would likely cause minor property damage rather than loss of life.

Key Details: • El Paso Water acquired the Cement Lake property for $4 million from TxDOT. • The dam was built in 1909 and last inspected in 1996. • Nearby businesses, such as Rosa’s Cantina, are closed as a precaution. • A flash flood watch is in effect for areas near the dam.

flooding el-paso-water dam cement lake open-space

People & Organizations

Texas Commission on Environmental QualityLoop 375Upper ValleyTexas Department of TransportationEl Paso WaterPaisano DriveCement Lake

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