Water Main Break Leaves El Paso Home Uninhabitable, Utility Offers Buyout: A Family's Struggle and Hope
A northeast El Paso family of ten is facing an uncertain future after a water main break caused significant damage to their home on Gschwind Street. The incident, which occurred last Saturday night, has left the Arellano family displaced and their home deemed uninhabitable by El Paso Water. Candy Arellano, the homeowner, shared her story with KFOX14/CBS4, expressing the emotional impact of the situation.
The water main break resulted in a massive hole in the backyard, and the interior of the house also suffered damage. Arellano emphasized that the foundation and structure of the house are compromised, making it unsafe for the family to return. Since the break, El Paso Water has provided temporary hotel accommodations for the family.
On Friday, Arellano received an offer from the utility company to purchase both her home and the vacant house next door. While this proposal provides a potential solution, it also presents challenges. Arellano explained that her living situation remains uncertain beyond the next week, as the family aims to retrieve personal belongings from the house.
"We spoke to EP Water, and they confirmed that the home is uninhabitable, so we won't be able to stay there. However, they would like to purchase our home now. For now, we will continue staying in the provided accommodations," Arellano said. She added that the family plans to meet with another representative from EP Water to discuss the next steps and their goal of retrieving personal items from the house on Tuesday.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Arellano expressed hope that El Paso Water will understand the family's plight. She mentioned the loss of cherished memories and the emotional connection the family has to the home, stating, "I hope EP Water understands and realizes how bad it is. We lost dogs and memories, and all our lives have been there. We cannot put a price on that, and I hope they find it in their hearts to understand the severity of the situation. It's saddening, and my mom said she just wants her pictures back."
This story highlights the challenges faced by families in the event of infrastructure failures and the potential for utility companies to offer buyout options. It also underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in such situations, as the Arellano family navigates the aftermath of the water main break.
