GCWA Year in Review 2023 by Gulf Coast Water Authority

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

About GCWA The Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) operates comprehensive infrastructure designed to transport 200 million gallons of water daily from the Brazos River, our primary water source, to our valued customers. Established by the Texas Legislature in 1965, our role as a water utility organization has led to continual improvements, enabling us to adapt to the evolving requirements of our communities within Brazoria, Galveston, and Fort Bend Counties. Throughout our history, we have remained dedicated to reliably deliver water to our customers.

General Manager’s Message

GCWA had a year filled with achievements, challenges, and opportunities that align with our mission to reliably deliver water to our customers. Under the vision of GCWA's Board of Directors, we made significant progress in our pursuit of excellence. In 2023, we improved our infrastructure and operations through our Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. These enhancements, ranging from vegetative control along canal banks to advanced installations at essential plants, were instrumental in achieving our mission, ensuring system efficiency, safeguarding infrastructure, and enhancing customer safety and satisfaction. This year, two pivotal groups emerged within our organization: the Future Leaders of Water (FLOW) and the Dynamic Innovation Group (DIG). FLOW was established to nurture leadership skills among our team members, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate future challenges. DIG was formed to drive positive change from within, enhancing the fabric of our organization. One of the notable challenges in 2023 was the persistent drought, serving as a reminder of the ongoing threat to our water systems. Over the past few years, we have diligently refined and strengthened operational strategies to manage our water source effectively during drought conditions. These challenges have fortified our commitment to innovation and improved infrastructure. With GCWA’s forward-thinking approach, we are committed to overcoming challenges and shaping a resilient and dynamic future for GCWA and the communities we proudly serve.

Brandon Wade, PE General Manager and CEO

GCWA’s Mission, Core Values, and Vision OUR MISSION To reliably deliver water to our customers.

OUR CORE VALUES COLLABORATION

INCLUSIVE

TRUST

RESPECT

INNOVATION

OUR VISION To be a leader in the water industry, fostering a culture of innovation. We responsibly manage our organization, water resources, and infrastructure. We prioritize customer focus and staff development to adapt to regulatory shifts, serve our growing community, all while providing a reliable and resilient water supply for future generations.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 - 2028

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

WATER SUPPLY AND DELIVERY

CUSTOMER SERVICE

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

Water Contract Management

System Planning

Grant Support

Safety & Health

Customer Interface Matrix

Employee Compensation

Public Communications Management

Benefit Managment

Sustainability

System Operations Drought Management

New Water Sales Risk Management & Insurance Finance, Budget, Rates

Agriculture Engineering Standards Security Cyber & Physical Water Accounting

Grants & Appropriations Management

CIP Planning & Execution

Attorney & Lobbyist Management

Land Management

Regulatory Management

System Capacity Management

Customer Contact Matrix Water Conservation Initiative

Career Path Management

Future Leaders of Water Disruption Innovation Group

GCWA’s Board of Directors GCWA is governed by a 10-member Board of Directors appointed by the Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston County Commissioners’ Courts to represent industrial, municipal, and agricultural interests in our service area. The Board of Directors, from left to right, includes Cliff Mock (Vice President), Brazoria County, Agricultural; Kevin D. Moore (Secretary), Galveston County, Industrial; Trisha Frederick, PE (Assistant Secretary), Fort Bend County, At-Large; John McDonald (Director), Brazoria County, Municipal; Jimmy Laurito (Director), Galveston County, Industrial; Brad Matlock, PE (President), Galveston County, At-Large; Allen Bogard (Director), Fort Bend County, Municipal; Jody Hooks (Director), Galveston County, Municipal; Duane Cole (Director), Galveston County, At-Large; and Bennie Jones Jr. (Treasurer), Brazoria County, Industrial.

Our Customers Industrial

Municipal

Agricultural

Ascend Performance Materials Ashland Dow Chemical Company Eastman Chemical INEOS Chocolate Bayou Marathon Petroleum GBR Underground Storage LLC Valero Refining – Texas City ProEnergy/Topaz

Bacliff MUD Bayview MUD City of Galveston City of Hitchcock City of La Marque City of League City City of Texas City GC FWSD #6 (Tiki Island) GC MUD #12 (Bayou Vista) GC WCID #1 (Dickinson) GC WCID #12 (Kemah) GC WCID #8 (Santa Fe) San Leon MUD City of Missouri City City of Pearland City of Sugar Land Fort Bend County WCID #2 Pecan Grove MUD

Approximately 16,000 acres of fields in Brazoria and Galveston Counties

GCWA Overview

GCWA serves the water needs for industry, agriculture, and municipalities in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties through a system consisting of three primary subsystems: canal, industrial, and water treatment. The roots of GCWA date back to 1908 with the establishment of the Cane and Rice Belt Irrigation Company, marked by the construction of a pump station in Fort Bend County. The system expanded in the early 1930s with the addition of pump stations and relift stations, coupled with extensions to the canal network, ultimately reaching into Galveston County. In 1940, the Briscoe Irrigation System was formed, introducing an extra pump station on the Brazos River and expanding the canal network. The Brazos River Authority acquired the initial systems in 1966 and 1967. In 1988, GCWA obtained the Canal Division from the Brazos River Authority, enhancing its ability to supply water for industry, irrigation, and municipal purposes across Brazoria, southern Fort Bend, and Galveston Counties. In 2006, GCWA further expanded by acquiring the Chocolate Bayou Water Company, also known as the Juliff Canal System. This acquisition included the May Pump Station on the Brazos River, along with pump stations on Chocolate and Mustang Bayous in Brazoria County.

Digital Successes Microsoft PowerBI Data Integration and Reporting Continued support of the GCWA Field Data Collection to achieve cost savings by avoiding the need to hire survey services Integration of ESRI Rest Service API with Microsoft PowerBI Reporting Automation of the water accounting contract usage incorporation into GCWA's River Data Dashboard and inclusion in monitoring river conditions Initiation of the Water Utility Network deployment for modeling the potable distribution system Enhancements to the Land Management Mapping, Record-Keeping, and Development Monitoring Drone image processing project for our canal Digital Safety Program in our computerized maintenance management system

Infrastructure Improvements In 2023, we enhanced and recapitalized our current infrastructure, successfully completing a total of 80 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects valued at $11.2 million. Additionally, we are in the construction phase of two multi-year projects valued at $15.4 million. The design and construction of these projects play a vital role in fulfilling our mission: to reliably deliver water to our customers.

Operational Improvements In 2023, various operational enhancements significantly improved our system's efficiency and reliability. These included vegetative management, the installation of vortex breakers at the Chocolate Bayou Pumping Plant, and the addition of chlorine cylinder shut-off actuators at the Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant.

Mustang Reservoir Restoration The Mustang Reservoir, located south of Alvin, enables GCWA to store and supply water to our agricultural and industrial customers in the Chocolate Bayou system. To maintain compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Dam Safety Standards and maximize storage capacity, GCWA applied for and received $21.4M in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the project. The project involves repairing, restoring, and strengthening reservoir embankments, enhancing spillways, and expanding outlet structures to improve customer water delivery. Construction activities are underway, with an estimated completion scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Pictured: Rendering of the new Shannon Pumping Plant

Shannon Pumping Plant The Shannon Pumping Plant, located south of Fulshear, was constructed in the early 1900s and has provided reliable water delivery since its inception. Despite its longstanding service, the facility suffered hurricane damage and requires replacement. GCWA has acknowledged this need and successfully secured approximately $50 million in FEMA funding to support the construction of a new facility. The design phase is currently underway, with construction estimated to commence in the summer of 2025. We extend our gratitude to our customers for their contribution of $10 million in additional funding.

Reliable Delivery The GCWA team proactively addresses the ongoing threat of drought through robust operational strategies for water resource planning. These strategies guide the team in delivering reliable water to customers. Managing water flow in the Brazos River requires seamless coordination, and the GCWA team is committed to managing this critical resource.

Planning for the Future GCWA is proactively involved in the strategic planning and synchronization of water resources and infrastructure, with a focus on meeting our customers' long-term needs. GCWA's goals center on prioritizing major capital projects aimed at updating aging infrastructure and exploring opportunities to expand our water sources in alignment with the objectives outlined in our strategic plan.

Future Leaders of Water Future Leaders of Water (FLOW) is an initiative by GCWA aimed at nurturing the next generation of water conservation champions. FLOW empowers individuals to dive into the complex world of water resource management, fostering a deep understanding of GCWA operations, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Through mentorship and hands-on experiences, FLOW is charting a course towards a brighter, more water-resilient future along the Gulf Coast.

Dynamic Innovation Group The Dynamic Innovation Group (DIG) is an initiative by GCWA aimed at revolutionizing the landscape of water infrastructure and technology. DIG assembles a diverse cohort of progressive, forward-thinkers, and innovators to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges. With unconventional, collaborative problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to progress, DIG is set to redefine the future of water management at GCWA.

Community Outreach In 2023, GCWA engaged with local communities through presentations and successful events. The Thomas Mackey Water Treatment Plant hosted guided tours for the ARMY Reserve, Texas A&M Galveston students, and the 4-H Water Ambassadors program. GCWA also participated in the Life and Liberty Independence Day Celebration in LaMarque. Additionally, GCWA participated in a Career Fair at Texas A&M Galveston, where we reached about 50 students. At every event, our organization actively distributed promotional materials and initiated conversations about our mission, vision, and impact.

Safety Culture Safety is a core value of GCWA's culture. This year, we focused on the theme “Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility” by empowering the GCWA team with more decision-making authority. This approach allows the safety culture to flourish and ensures everyone has a voice in their safety. Initiatives created or modified to enhance the safety culture and foster greater collaboration among all departments include: Electronic reporting and notification for safety observations has enabled more efficient and comprehensive tracking The Employee Safety Advisory Committee provides a platform for employees to voice their concerns and make suggestions for improving safety measures The Lone Worker Device Program with 24/7 monitoring, which has enhanced the safety of employees working alone Safety Moments, presented by staff before each meeting, have played a crucial role in keeping safety at the forefront of everyone's minds

Pictured: Members of the Safety Committee

Drought Management The persistent threat of drought remains a major concern, prompting proactive measures by GCWA. Insights gained from past drought experiences play a crucial role in formulating operational plans for water resource management. These strategies serve as the foundation for our team to consistently provide reliable water delivery to our customers. Coordinating the necessary water flows in the Brazos River involves collaboration among various entities, and the GCWA team continues to excel in effectively managing the river's water resources. Through this efficient management of available resources, GCWA successfully navigated its second consecutive year of significant drought without implementing any form of water restriction or curtailment. This achievement is noteworthy, especially considering the Brazos River Authority entering a systemwide stage one drought, with various reservoirs entering stage 2 and 3 drought restrictions.

Pictured: Brett McCulloch (left) and Joseph Sauceda (right)

Recognition and Accomplishments

For nine consecutive years GCWA earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial report. Brett McCulloch (Lead Plant Operator) and Joseph Sauceda (Water Distribution Operator) demonstrated their commitment to the water industry by obtaining their Texas Class A Water License this year. Earning this license is a notable achievement as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) shared an exam passing rate of 12.5%. In addition to passing the exam, operators must complete 184 hours of classroom training and accumulate at least 6 years of hands-on experience. Kristen Ivey (Administrative Assistant-Canal Division) showcased her artistic talent by winning 3rd place at the 2023 National Public Works Week Picnic, hosted by the City of Rosenberg and the City of Richmond for the American Public Works Association (APWA) Texas Chapter Southeast Branch. Her hand-painted artwork, featuring a piece of machinery on a canal bank, beautifully represents our heavy equipment operators and the crucial work they do to maintain our canal system's functionality.

Our Team The GCWA Team is committed to ensuring uninterrupted delivery of water to our customers. Our team of professionals work collaboratively and bring a diverse set of skills to the organization, fulfilling our mission to reliably deliver water to our customers.

Equipment courtesy of Garrett Farms

History Book In January 2022, GCWA published a history book, “Gulf Coast Water Authority: A History of Reliable Water Delivery.” It provides insights into our agricultural beginnings, our progress over the years, and the obstacles we encountered along the way. To request a copy, please send an email to swiora@gcwatx.gov.