1. Scott Reinert, P.E. Water Resources Manager
Concentrate Management at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant in El Paso, Texas
2019 TCEQ Trade Fair - Austin, Texas
May 15, 2019
Title: Concentrate Management at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant in El Paso, Texas
2019 TCEQ Trade Fair – Austin, Texas
May 15, 2019
Speaker – Scott Reinert, P.E.
Water Resources Manager
Scott Reinert, P.E.
Water Resources Manager

2. Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
Opened in 2007 to deal with:
Drought
Emergency situations
Growth
Brackish water intrusion
Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
Opened in 2007 to deal with:
Drought
Emergency situations
Growth
Brackish water intrusion
Photo – Exterior photo of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

3. B F
Airport Area
This is a map showing the relative distribution of “Fresh “ and “Brackish” water in the Hueco Bolson.
The “Brackish” water is source of water for the Desalination plant.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

4. Map of concentration wells.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

5. Remote Concentrate Disposal Area
Less costly and less environmental impact than evaporation ponds
3 injection wells
Concentrate pipeline (22 mi)
Remote Concentrate Disposal Area
Less costly and less environmental impact than evaporation ponds
3 injection wells
Concentrate pipeline (22 mi.)
Graphic: Image of injection wells.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

6. Photo: A downhole camera was used to take this photo
Photo: A downhole camera was used to take this photo. This photo was taken at a depth of 2300 ft. in the uncased portion in JDF-3. The dolomite is fractured and will easily accept the injected concentrate.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

7. Photo: This is a core sample collected at depth of 2300 feet in TH3
Photo: This is a core sample collected at depth of 2300 feet in TH3. This core sample was collected from the Fusselman Dolomite. The extensive fracturing is an indicative of good reservoir capacity.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

8. Highlights of 10 year Plant Operation
Peak annual production was 2013 (7329 acre-feet) corresponding to lowest river supply in 100 years
Over 53,000 acre-feet of finished water produced in 10 years
Highlights of 10 year plant operation
Peak Annual Production was 2013 (7329 acre-feet) corresponding to lowest river supply in 100 years.
Over 53,000 acre-feet of finished water produced in 10 years.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

9. Highlights of 10 year Plant Operation
Typical operation - 8 MGD
February 7, Big Freeze - 22 MGD to help restore water supply in El Paso
Drought conditions - May 2012, no surface water in May - 19 consecutive days of production over 20 MGD
Highlights of 10 year Plant Operation
Typical Operation – 8 MGD
February 7, 2011 – Big Freeze – 22 MGD to help restore water supply in El Paso
Drought Conditions – May 2012, no surface water in May – 19 consecutive days of production over 20 MGD
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

10. August 31, 2019
Graph: How many acre/feet of water being pumped at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water
El Paso Water

11. Enviro Water Minerals Company (EWM), Public Private Partnership
Partnership between EPWater and EWM
Construction of a new plant adjacent to existing desalination plant
EWM uses EPWater concentrate to recover minerals
EPWater receives an additional 2 million gallons of potable water from EWM
Enviro Water Minerals Company (EWM), Public Private Partnership
Partnership between EPWater and EWM
Construction of a new plant adjacent to existing desalination plant
EWM uses EPWater concentrate to recover minerals
EPWater receives an additional 2 million gallons of potable water from EWM
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

12. Enviro Water Minerals Company (EWM), Public Private Partnership
Enviro Water Minerals (EWM) Public Private Partnership
Graphic: Shows Enviro Water Minerals process
Enviro Water Minerals is using cutting edge technology to recover minerals from waste brine from desalination plants.
Enviro Water Minerals is using cutting edge technology to recover minerals from waste brine from desalination plants.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

13. Enviro Water Minerals (EWM)
EWM chemically separates the concentrate into high-purity industrial grade minerals products that are highly valued in commercial markets.
Potash Liquid Fertilizer
Bromide Rich Brine
(Power plant mercury scrubbing)
Milk of Magnesia (Water treatment)
Enviro Water Minerals (EWM)
EWM chemically separates the concentrate into high-purity industrial grade mineral products that are highly valued in commercial markets.
List of items produced:
Potash liquid fertilizer
Bromide Rich Brine (Power plant mercury scrubbing)
Milk of magnesia (water treatment)
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

14. Proposed EWM Concentrated and Effluent Alignment
SITE
Raw Well Water
Desalination
Plant
Concentrate
Permeate line
Proposed EWM Concentrated and Effluent Alignment
Map showing the location of the EWM site and the KBH Desalination Plant.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

15. EWM Proposal and Agreement to EPWater
Permeate will be treated to meet TCEQ drinking water standards where it will then be pumped into EPWater’s potable water distribution system.
EWM Proposal and Agreement to EPWater
Permeate will be treated to meet TCEQ drinking water standards where it will then be pumped into EPWater’s potable water distribution system.
May 15, 2019
El Paso Water

16. Questions Questions Image of a question mark May 15, 2019
El Paso Water