CRRUA and DACC Partner to Provide Students Real-World Water Tech Experience

The collaboration aims to build a skilled local workforce in the water utility industry.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a water treatment plant valve icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the collaboration between a regional water utility and a community college to provide students with real-world experience in the water technology industry.A vibrant pop art celebration of the partnership between CRRUA and DACC that is training the next generation of water utility professionals.El Paso Today

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) is hiring students from Doña Ana Community College's (DACC) Water Technology Program as part of a new partnership. The goal is to develop a skilled local workforce in the water utility industry, with CRRUA providing hands-on training and employment opportunities for DACC students.

Why it matters

The CRRUA-DACC collaboration addresses workforce needs in the water sector while giving students valuable real-world experience. This highlights the importance of local education and workforce development programs in southern Doña Ana County, helping to prepare the next generation of water utility professionals.

The details

CRRUA, which provides water and wastewater services to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, has hired three DACC Water Technology Program students as interns who have transitioned into full-time roles. The latest hire is Vicente Sosa-Rountree, who joined as a water/wastewater operator I after touring one of CRRUA's arsenic treatment facilities. The partnership allows DACC students to gain practical experience and employment opportunities in the water utility industry.

  • In February 2026, a group of DACC Water Technology students toured one of CRRUA's arsenic treatment facilities.
  • CRRUA has hired three DACC Water Technology Program students as interns who have transitioned into full-time roles.

The players

Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA)

A water utility that provides water and wastewater services to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa.

Doña Ana Community College (DACC)

A community college that offers a Water Technology Program to prepare students for careers in the water utility industry.

Vicente Sosa-Rountree

The newest hire at CRRUA, joining as a water/wastewater operator I after touring one of CRRUA's facilities.

Filiberto Aguirre III

A former DACC Water Technology Program student who was hired by CRRUA as a meter technician specialist assistant.

Jaydrian Jauregui

A former DACC Water Technology Program student who was hired by CRRUA as a water/wastewater operator I.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The partnership with DACC is invaluable because it can lead to full-time employment for students. Water-wastewater operators are in high demand. By investing in local talent, we're gaining dedicated, well-trained professionals who already understand our systems and our commitment to serving the community.”

— Juan Crosby, Executive Director of CRRUA

“The tour, and meeting with Executive Director Crosby and members of his team played a big part in my decision to join CRRUA.”

— Vicente Sosa-Rountree, Water/Wastewater Operator I at CRRUA

“Our goal is to equip students with both the technical knowledge and practical experience they need to succeed on day one. Seeing our students transition from the classroom into meaningful careers with organizations like CRRUA demonstrates the strength of this program and the value of these partnerships.”

— Alex Salas, Instructor for the DACC Water Technology Program

What’s next

CRRUA plans to continue hiring DACC Water Technology Program students as interns and transitioning them into full-time roles to build a skilled local workforce in the water utility industry.

The takeaway

The CRRUA-DACC partnership highlights the importance of local education and workforce development programs in preparing the next generation of water utility professionals. By providing hands-on training and employment opportunities, the collaboration is helping to address workforce needs in the water sector and create meaningful career paths for students.