El Paso Water opened the Carlos M. Ramirez TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center in 2008 to promote water education, water conservation and total water management in the Chihuahuan Desert. The Center is owned and operated by El Paso Water, a non-profit, public utility that serves the city of El Paso.
The Center’s name recognizes the late Mayor Carlos M. Ramirez (1951-2008), who was an early and vocal supporter of the desalination plant and an advocate for funding of the plant and the learning center.
Key Staff
Anai Padilla
El Paso Water Conservation and TecH2O Manager
Anai Padilla leads conservation programs for El Paso Water, and she manages the TecH2O Learning Center. In her career with EPWater, she has administered various residential conservation programs, leading to a 30 percent reduction in per person water consumption. She has developed a variety of educational programs to meet the needs of teachers, students and the public that have served to create a culture of conservation in El Paso. She serves on the Texas Water Development Board’s conservation advisory council. She has a B.S. in Horticulture from New Mexico State University and a Masters' Degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
Dawn Walker-Hughes
Water Conservation Specialist
Dawn Walker-Hughes leads customer conservation outreach for El Paso Water. She works with residential, commercial and institutional customers across the El Paso Water service area to provide conservation recommendations, offer conservation learning opportunities, and perform on-site water efficiency surveys. She brings a passion for conservation, educating and promoting a culture of conservation to ensure water sustainability for future generations. She has an Associate of Science Degree in Business from Columbia Southern University.