The first phase of the City of Hobbs Effluent Reuse Project has been substantially completed as of August 29th, 2016. The City of Hobbs Effluent Reuse Project (Project) is a proactive and proven approach in water conservation that will effectively extend the life and conserve the Ogallala Aquifer. Completion of this phase of the Project results in the installation of 7 miles of 20” purple pipe and 15 total miles of pipe have been installed in total for the Project. Approximately $9.5 million ($4,560,000 comes from a Water Trust Fund Grant, $3,040,000 comes from a Water Trust Fund Loan, and $1,900,000 in capital from the City of Hobbs) have been spent on the Project at this point. Principally, the Project replaces irrigation water being pumped from the Ogallala Aquifer with treated effluent water discharged from the wastewater reclamation facility. The Project will ultimately result in an annual potable water savings in excess of 2,700 acre feet/year, or approximately 1 billion gallons annually. This represents over 30% of the City’s current annual water pumping volume.
The City of Hobbs relies on the Ogallala Aquifer (Ogallala) for its municipal water supply. The City’s continued growth, declining water levels, and lack of recharge to the Ogallala have prompted concerns about the limited nature of this critical resource. In response, the City has implemented several conservation practices to reduce water consumption from the Ogallala Aquifer and extend the life of this essential natural resource. The City of Hobbs completed a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) that developed a comprehensive plan to significantly increase the reuse of treated effluent water to replace water demand currently being met by pumping groundwater from the Ogallala.
The completion of Phase 1 of the Effluent Reuse Project represents a major milestone for this important project and included the design and construction of a new 20” effluent pipeline from Mahan Road to Rockwind Community Links and Harry McAdams Park. The design and construction of the Rockwind Golf Course effluent pipeline was accomplished through the use of local capital infrastructure funds and funding from multiple state grant awards approved by the New Mexico State Legislation, the Water Trust Fund and the Water Trust Board.
From 2010-2015, the City has experienced a 37.5% decrease in potable water usage (May – September) while the community has experienced an 11.5% increase in population. These numbers are evidence that the City’s proactive and innovative approach to water conservation is having a positive impact and our water usage. The City’s emphasis on major projects such as the Effluent Reuse Project and the implementation by the City Commission of the annual Water Conservation Period that regulates irrigation usage, coupled with Public Education and heightened public awareness have been successful in reducing the City’s extraction of potable water from the Ogallala Aquifer.
City of Hobbs Mayor, Sam D. Cobb, stated, “Completion of Phase 1 of the Effluent Reuse Project has been greatly anticipated as it is a substantial resource to the water conservation efforts already in place. This project highlights a significant commitment for our community to be incredible stewards of our natural resources. Whether it is providing additional fire protection in remote areas or watering our award-winning golf development, Rockwind Community Links, this project is truly a win-win for our community.”
City of Hobbs City Manager, J.J. Murphy, stated, “I am thankful for the City of Hobbs Commission’s constant support of this Project and to the City of Hobbs Staff for making our vision a reality.”
(News release from the City of Hobbs)
