El Paso Water officials issued an urgent update warning that conditions at Cement Lake have worsened and now show indicators consistent with a potential dam breach.
El Paso Water said Thursday night, April 23, that engineers are observing slow-rate slope failures, slight embankment movement and water seepage at the site. Officials said those developments have increased the risk of a breach, despite earlier mitigation efforts that reduced some of the pressure.
As a precaution, the utility relocated all personnel to higher ground, away from the immediate hazard area, and is consulting with dam experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding additional stabilization efforts.
El Paso Water crews continue working to lower water levels at Cement Lake. About 30 inches of water has already been removed, but officials estimate up to 10 feet may need to be pumped out to further stabilize conditions, according to the utility. Additional pumping equipment is being deployed.
“Our crews and contractors are working around the clock to monitor, assess risk, and reduce pressure,” said El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew. “Public safety is our highest priority.”
El Paso Water is coordinating closely with the City‑County Office of Emergency Management, which has activated its Emergency Operations Center to support response efforts.
The city‑operated water utility acquired Cement Lake and roughly 300 surrounding acres in March from the Texas Department of Transportation. The reservoir is located between Interstate 10 and Doniphan Drive. The utility has also hired Freese and Nichols Engineering, based in Fort Worth, to conduct advanced modeling to better understand potential risks in the event of a full breach.
Roadways within the potential flood impact zone remain closed and will remain restricted due to the risk of flooding if a breach occurs. Officials said water would inundate the currently closed roadways in the event of a failure.
Residents are urged to avoid closed areas, follow posted traffic controls, stay alert for updates from El Paso Water and local authorities, and follow any guidance issued by emergency management officials.
El Paso Water said it will continue to provide updates as conditions change.
Road closures
The El Paso Police Department closed the roads listed below:
El Paso Times reporter Vic Kolenc contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Water warns of increased breach risk at Cement Lake
Reporting by Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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