Paseo Real Water Reclamation Facility (PRWRF) Water Quality Updates

A BRIEF BACKGROUND

The Paseo Real Water Reclamation Facility was first constructed in 1963, nine years before the passage of the Clean Water Act. It provides up to 100% of the surface flow for the Lower Santa Fe River, which flows through private yards, agricultural fields, acequias, and important cultural sites. The Facility has been expanded and renovated over the years to meet City demand and evolving state and federal discharge requirements, but in recent years has been plagued with failing systems and costly short-term fixes. Due to the increasingly antiquated nature of the Facility, obtaining replacement parts is extremely difficult, and strain from global supply chain shortages makes timely repairs nearly impossible. Furthermore, a national shortage of qualified professionals means that it is difficult to hire enough operators. Staff do what they can to come up with creative solutions, but they need our support.

In addition to the physical challenges of the Facility, until 2023 there was no easy way for members of the public to access water quality data. SFWA began working with the PRWRF Lab to share E. coli data here on our own website until the City could develop its own water quality dashboard. In August 0f 2025, that goal was achieved! We applaud this effort, and look forward to our partners at the Wastewater Management Department soon adding other pollutants to the dashboard. We will also continue our advocacy efforts for timely emergency alerts to residents who live downstream of the Facility along the Santa Fe River.