There Is Help For Tornillo Residents Who Are Without Water

Tornillo residents are having water problems, and will be without running water until the end of the week.

A well pump malfunctioned, and many Tornillo residents have no water at all, which means no cooking, showering, or using swamp coolers. Those who do have water are being warned to boil it before using it.

Some residents are reporting yellow water coming out of their faucets, and that's why the boil warning is in effect. Tornillo Water Improvement District officials say residents should continue to boil their water until they can get clean samples and inform residents that the water is ok to use without boiling.

Kids in the Tornillo Independent School District are being given hand sanitizer, bottled water, and portable restrooms are available for them to use. TISD Superintendent Jeannie Meza-Chavez says there is a possibility that the district may need to cancel classes tomorrow and Friday if the problem is not resolved, however.

As of last night, the El Paso Water Utility is providing Tornillo residents with drinking water at the Tornillo ISD Administration Building at 19200 Cobb Street. You have to bring their own containers and can only get five gallons of water per household, per 24 hours. The Red Cross is also providing shelter for residents with portable showers, restrooms and drinking water at Amador Field House at the Fabens High School Football Field, NE G Avenue and 3rd Street. It will be open today, Wednesday, April 22nd from 7 a.m. - noon, and from 5 - 9 p.m. A shuttle provided to the Red Cross shelter will run from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 5 - 9 p.m.

If you need more information about the boil alert, the Red Cross shelter, or the shuttle, please call 915-764-2966.