El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) maintenance crews didn't hesitate to quickly spring into action after a major water main break disrupted service in northeast and central El Paso on January 11. As water trickled back into the pipes and El Paso Water labored to fully restore service, the district's maintenance plumbing team, led by Saul Urbina, Foreman of the Plumbing Shop, was diligently working to make sure schools would be safely opened for students and teachers. In a statement obtained by the El Paso ISD, Urbina emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, "Our role is critical in moments like this."
The tireless efforts by the team meant to innovatively figure out how the reopened campuses were flushed of contaminants, with restrooms, sinks, and kitchens passing safety checks. Nearly twenty EPISD maintenance employees responded to the crisis, checking nearly 40 campuses to confirm everything was in top shape, as detailed by El Paso ISD. Their day would often begin before the sun had even considered rising, some arriving as early as 4 a.m., and wouldn't clock out until the evening, sometimes stretching their hours until 7 p.m., as the situation gradually stabilized.
Julio Chavira, a maintenance plumber, was quoted as discussing the dedication required for such a task. "We come in at all hours," Chavira told El Paso ISD. "Our job is to make sure the water is clean and safe for students and staff. It’s important work, and we answer the call when we’re needed." Apart from the plumbing aspect, the team also ensured the critical operational status of water systems, which are essential for heating and kitchen operations within school buildings during the colder months.
