Behind the Scenes at Eagle Pass Water Works

Every day, the staff at the Roberto Gonzalez Regional Water Treatment Plant works behind the scenes to provide safe and reliable drinking water to the City of Eagle Pass and most of Maverick County.

The operation relies on a coordinated effort between plant operators, laboratory personnel, maintenance staff, administrative leadership, and other departments working together to continuously monitor water quality, maintain treatment performance, and respond to changing operational conditions.

Plant Superintendent Raul Gomez emphasized that the recognition belongs to every member of our team who plays a vital role in safeguarding our community’s well-being.

A Team Built on Pride and Purpose

With a team of just eight, the Eagle Pass Water Works plant operates in a true 24/7 setting, where trust and teamwork define success. Raul emphasized that what sets the team apart is their commitment to continuous improvement in delivering safe, reliable drinking water to our community.

“It takes effective coordination, dedication, reliability in every action, and a full commitment when our community needs us most.” — Raul Gomez

Each member of the water plant team plays a critical role, and everyone understands the responsibility they carry every day. This sense of teamwork is supported at every level.

“In recognizing the dedication and commitment of our water plant team, we must also express gratitude for the consistent leadership and support of our management team—General Manager Mr. Jorge Barrera, Assistant General Manager Mr. Jorge Flores, and Operations Manager Mr. Miguel Sanchez—who ensure our ongoing success.” — Raul Gomez

Meet the Water Plant Team

Raul Gomez – Plant Superintendent

Raul oversees treatment operations, operational planning, regulatory compliance, and team coordination for the Roberto Gonzalez Regional Water Treatment Plant. His leadership approach emphasizes professionalism, mentorship, teamwork, and empowering employees to continue growing both personally and professionally.

Edward Hernandez – Water Plant Operator

With 35 years of experience in water treatment plant operations, Edward brings extensive operational expertise and guidance that supports process reliability, operational stability, and the continued success of our water treatment system.

Adolfo Pacheco – Water Plant Operator

Adolfo brings 22 years of water treatment experience and advanced operational expertise focused on maintaining process stability and optimizing daily plant performance.

Jose Duenes – Water Plant Operator

With 19 years of experience, Jose supports dependable plant operations through continuous monitoring and operational oversight that help ensure consistent water quality.

Victor Escobedo – Water Plant Operator

With 6 years of experience in water treatment plant operations, Victor supports daily treatment processes through routine monitoring and operational activities that help ensure consistent water quality.

Carlos Suarez – Laboratory Technician Assistant

Carlos supports laboratory operations, bacteriological sampling, and water quality monitoring that play a vital role in maintaining high drinking water standards and safeguarding the health and well-being of the community.

Jesus Estrada – Relief Operator

As a relief operator, Jesus assists with daily plant operations and process monitoring that support the safe and reliable delivery of drinking water.

Cosme Rodriguez – Laboratory Technician

For Cosme Rodriguez, the mission is centered on protecting water quality through precision, consistency, and attention to detail.

“The laboratory plays a critical role in the treatment process, and its objective is vital,” Cosme shared. “I take pride in analyzing water samples daily and reviewing thousands of data points to help ensure the highest standards of water quality.”

Behind every test result and every data point is a commitment to helping protect the health and well-being of our community.

Heroes Without Spotlights

Throughout the conversation, Raul returned to a central theme: the hard work of our water team happens quietly, behind the scenes, but it’s what keeps every household and business running smoothly every day.

While we rarely step into the spotlight, our team takes pride in quietly supporting our community every day.

“It’s very easy to open a faucet and see water,” Jorge Flores, General Manager at EPWWS, shared during the interview. “But people don’t realize all the work it takes for that water to be delivered to their home.”

For Raul, this HERO story is about changing that, even briefly. The purpose is to share this public recognition of the work performed at the plant, so that our employees can receive that recognition and their friends and families can be proud of the work they do for our community.

A Commitment Beyond Measure

Every action taken by the Eagle Pass Water Works team is driven by a profound commitment to protecting the well-being of the entire community.

Our goal is to give families and businesses peace of mind, knowing that their water needs are met with diligence, accuracy, and unwavering commitment from our team.

In an age of extreme drought, population growth, and rising demand, their sense of responsibility only intensifies.

“Despite every challenge, the hard work and dedication of our team fills me with a deep sense of pride and purpose, as our organization serves close to 70,000 residents.” — Raul Gomez

The Real Meaning of HERO

“When I think about what defines a HERO, I think about commitment, teamwork, and continuing to serve others with pride and purpose.” — Raul Gomez

He believes true HEROES are the people who quietly show up every day and do their part to help their community succeed.

Employees at the Roberto Gonzalez Regional Water Treatment Plant work behind the scenes, but every single day, their work touches an entire community, and that makes them HEROES.