Socorro residents question water capacity after DHS buys nearby warehouses for $122M

Описание: A major purchase by the Department of Homeland Security in Socorro is raising questions about whether local water infrastructure can keep up.

Residents say long-standing water pressure issues are now under scrutiny after the Department of Homeland Security purchased warehouses closer to their neighborhood.

Neighbors tell KFOX14/CBS4 that low water pressure is something they have learned to live with over the years, but the recent purchase of nearby warehouses by DHS has sparked concerns that the situation could worsen.

“It’s always been kind of low,” said Fernando Rodriguez, a longtime Socorro resident. “It’s not a hundred percent good.”

Residents say daily routines — like showering or washing dishes — often require careful timing.

“I got two bathrooms, two showers. We can’t shower at the same time because one side is going to be very low. If my wife is washing dishes, the water gets low in that shower,” Rodriguez said.

Juan Martinez, another resident, added, “We’ve been having problems even here at our own house. When you take a shower and I want to take a shower, I have to wait until the water gets stronger on my side.”

The issue has gained new attention after DHS purchased the Socorro warehouses for $122 million, according to public deed records obtained by KFOX14/CBS4.

DHS confirmed the site will continue to be used for immigration enforcement, but the development has raised questions about whether the area’s infrastructure — including water capacity — can handle additional demand.

During a news conference on Friday, State Representative Vincent Perez says the concerns extend across parts of East El Paso County, which are served by the Lower Valley Water District.

“These are water issues that exist throughout their service area and the emergency services district,” Perez said. “And that’s the whole purpose of zoning, you don’t want a facility come in that is completely infeasible or incompatible with things like water shortages in the area.”

Residents say the water is available, but not always with the strength they need.

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