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EPCOR updates Clovis on wells, reuse and possible rate pressure as aquifer declines
Summary
EPCOR associate director Kevin Rose told the Clovis commission the company serves about 46,000 local residents with 81 groundwater wells and 360 miles of pipe; he described efforts to convert ag wells, reuse nonpotable water and noted the last rate increase was in 2019, with future rate pressure possible.
Kevin Rose, associate director for EPCOR in New Mexico, briefed the City of Clovis commission on the utility's local operations and infrastructure needs, saying EPCOR supports roughly 46,000 residents with groundwater supplies and a network of wells and pipes.
"I'm the associate director for New Mexico," Rose said as he introduced the company's overview and noted EPCOR has been investing in regional infrastructure. He described EPCOR as municipally owned with corporate offices in Edmonton, Canada, and reported the company has invested about $2.8 billion in Arizona and New Mexico infrastructure.
Rose said Clovis operations include about 81 wells supplying 100% groundwater and nearly 360 miles of pipeline. He outlined a plan that includes leasing agricultural wells for conversion to potable service, disinfecting and upgrading those wells, and coordinating with local partners including the Ogallala Water Conservancy and the Eastern New Mexico Water Authority on projects such as nonpotable reuse and future supply options.
On rates, Rose noted the last EPCOR rate increase was in 2019 and told the commission inflation and declining aquifers increase the cost to find and deliver water. Mayor Morris acknowledged the company’s work, saying residents are largely unaware of the ongoing operations that keep water flowing.
Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about the rate case and partnerships; Rose and staff said they would follow up with details requested by the commission.
