Don’t Say You’re El Paso Water – Unless You Really Are

There's been an increase in businesses and scammers trying to look like they are, (or are representing), El Paso Water. The city wants to make that illegal.

A ton of ads and notices have appeared in various ways around El Paso related to things like water testing, water contamination and filtration systems that look as though they are coming from El Paso Water.

El Paso City Council has decided, "ain't nobody got time 'fer 'dat".

El Paso City Council has drafted a proposed ordinance to crack down on these ads and solicitations that appear to be from El Paso Water but that are really just private businesses ... and some straight up scammers ... trying to sell their products.

New El Paso Water Ordinance

The agenda item would create an ordinance requiring businesses offering water related services to make it clear that they are NOT affiliated with, working for or endorsed by El Paso Water, any other official agency or any public utility.

El Paso Water Imposters

According to KVIA, the proposal was sparked citizen complaints about advertisements, (including door hangers and mailed flyers), suggesting that water quality is bad, selling filters and offering water testing among other things that are deliberately designed to look like they're from El Paso Water,

READ MORE: These El Pasoans Make Their Own Water

What Would The New Ordinance Require?

Under the proposed ordinance, any commercial solicitation involving water quality, water safety, water testing, water treatment, water filtration, or related services would be required to include a prominent disclosure stating, “This is an advertisement for a product or service by [Company Name]. This business is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or public utility provider.” - KVIA

Legit businesses may operate in the area and sell their gods or services all they want as long as the proper disclaimers are made as ordered.

The ordinance would apply only to private commercial solicitations and would exempt communications issued by government entities, authorized public utilities, or contractors acting on their behalf when that relationship is clearly identified. - KVIA