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BY DANIEL NIX tawwa executive director
Don’t worry about anything. Go out and have a good time.
- Richard P. Feynman
Another successful Texas Water is in the books. I hope everyone had a good time, because I know that I did. With the multitude of tiny parts that go into making the larger conference, it would be easy to worry about all of this, that and the other things. However, that worry never materialized due to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of volunteers that work behind the scenes over the course of many months to make sure that it all works. It is to all of those volunteers, committee chairs and the local host Chairs, Gabe Mussio and Liz Fazio Hale, that I want to say, "Congratulations, on a job well done with Texas WaterTM 2025!"
With the challenge of Texas Water occurring at the same time as many Spring Breaks and a national conference in Florida, there was worry that attendance would be down. Those low numbers never materialized, with Texas WaterTM 2025 having over 7,700 attendees, which is almost the same attendance that we saw in Fort Worth last year. Everyone knows that Texas Water is where the fun is and you get the most value for your money that you spend on registration.
Of course, Texas Water is many things. The conference is full of exhibits, trainings, competitions and social events. We had new items in each and every one of these parts of the conference. Our exhibits continue to grow. We had over 730 exhibitors at the conference this year. Both AWWA and WEF had kiosks that showcased their bookstore offerings and AWWA gave a 15% discount to anyone ordering publications during the conference. Within the training, we opened up an 11th technical session track for this conference, providing attendees with more of the latest in water and wastewater industry advancements. We also held
a Water License Examination Preparation Workshop that was attended by 14 students preparing to take their TCEQ Water Exam. And, within competitions, we had our inaugural Water Student Design Competition, with the University of Texas at Arlington bringing home the first-place win.
The Conference team also worked on improving your experience, as well. The team at GCP worked with our registration software company and provided us with the ability to print our registration badges this year, rather than wait in long lines. The feedback that I received on this small change was profoundly positive. Upgrades were also made to the conference swag, with a high-quality backpack being provided to attendees. I overheard a lot of attendees speaking highly about the backpacks.
A good time was had by all at Texas Water, watching the competitions. All of the teams were wonderful and we will be sending a top-notch group of Texas representatives to ACE to compete at the National level for Pipe Tapping, Top Ops, Meter Challenge and Hydrant Hysteria. If you are attending ACE in Denver, make sure you drop by the competitions and show your support for your fellow Texans. They are there proudly showing what we can do here in Texas, so make sure they hear you cheering them along.
Now, what good times are coming up? Well, I’m glad you asked. There are always a ton of Chapter events that occur during the summer. Most notably, the South
CONTINUED PAGE 33 | executive director report
One of the most prestigious awards in the water profession is the George Warren Fuller Award for distinguished service to the water supply field in "commemoration of the sound engineering skill, the brilliant diplomatic talent and the constructive leadership, which characterized the life of George Warren Fuller."
Because of our membership growth, TAWWA has two Directors on the AWWA Board. With that achievement, we also can award two Fuller awards each year if we have qualified candidates.
This year we are honored to present the George Warren Fuller Award to both Alissa Lockett and Stacy Walters. TAWWA recognized them at Texas WaterTM 2025 in Houston and they will also be honored at AWWA ACE in Denver, CO, in June.
Lockett, an AWWA member for more than 20 years, has served in a variety of Section volunteer roles,
including Chapter leadership, Section Trustee, Past Chair and one of the youngest females to serve as a Director at Large, representing Texas on the AWWA AWWA Board. She is currently vice president of treatment operations and maintenance for the San Antonio Water System, where she has worked for more than 15 years.
Walters has been part of the Texas water community for 30 years and is known both regionally and nationally as an expert in water/wastewater regulatory compliance and working with both regulators and health professionals to ensure the protection of public health. She has served in a variety of roles within the City of Fort Worth's central laboratory, including manager and currently as the regulatory and environmental coordinator.
To read more about this award, visit tinyurl.com/tw25awardsprogram
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Dean Sharp received the recently created Mike Howe Outstanding Service to TAWWA Award at Texas WaterTM 2025, which recognizes those who have had a significant positive impact on the association.
Sharp has played an active role in TAWWA leadership, serving as the Section Chair in 2006 and has been the chair of the Section's Management Division.
With Texas wrestling with an ever increasing retirement rate in the water sector and workforce shortages beginning to develop, Sharp conceptualized a program to bring Basic Water Operations training to vocational high school students across Texas, creating
APEI_AWWA-SOURCE_2025_0110_HalfPage_FINAL.pdf 1 1/9/25 4:02 PMDean Sharp receives the Mike Howe Outstanding Service Award at Texas Water from Mike Howe and AWWA President Cheryl Porter.
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The future of water in Texas isn’t just about pipelines, treatment plants, or technology. It’s about the next generation of water leaders like Riley Teague. By investing in our young professionals, we’re ensuring that the state’s water resources are secured and protected for decades to come. Together, we’re meeting the challenges facing our utilities and communities head-on.
Riley Teague Water Project Engineer
At Texas WaterTM 2025, the Texas Section honored water professionals for longtime membership in AWWA and service to the industry.
SILVER WATER DROP AWARDS Recognizing members who have achieved 25 years of service: Earl Bradley, Jessica Brown, Ignacio Cadena, Jason Christensen, Stephen Clawson, Kent Conkle, Todd Danielson, Stephen Dorman, Richard English, Jaime Estrada, Richard Gallegos, Jose Armando Garza, David Gudal, Mike Halde, Drew Hardin, Steve Hayden, Patricia Hill, T. Dean Hinton, Nathan Jones, Ronald Kaiser, Keith Kindle, H. Prasad Kolluru, Dennis Laskowski, Charles Leist II, Frank Kuo-Chiang Lin, John Marler, Ken Martin, Steve Massey, Ellen McDonald, Jerry Meeks Jr., Gary Morris, Randy Newsom, Denis Qualls, Shah
Rahman, Monte Richardson, Carlos Salazar, Robert Bruce Summers, Yue Sun, Kenneth Wheeler, Richard White, Susan Whitfield, James Young and Susan Young.
LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDS Recognizing members who have 30 years of cumulative membership and are now at least 65 years old: Joe Casillas, Jennifer Futrell, Randy Greene, Tina Hanson, David Harris, Stephen Eugene Jefferson, Joseph Jenkins, Joseph Kotrla, David Mason, Hani Michel, John Noell, James Sailler, Dean Sharp, David Sloan, Terrace Stewart, Simon Tung and Howard Wilhite
GOLD WATER DROP AWARDS Recognizing members who have achieved 50 years of service: David Bell, Jimmy Doty, Richard Brent Locke and Johnny Tabor.
Sally Wright, with the City of Dallas, was recognized with the AWWA Honorary Member Award at Texas WaterTM 2025. This award is presented to members whose knowledge and accomplishments in the field of water supply entitle them to special recognition.
Wright’s involvement at the Section and Association levels began with high level service on Section and AWWA committees, including the AWWA Young Professionals Committee and two standards committees.
In 2015 she was elected an AWWA Director at Large, was selected by AWWA staff as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year, and became the first female chair of the AWWA Standards Council, where she now also serves on the AWWA Executive Committee.
Wright's knowledge of water treatment, standards and regulations and her commitment to serving water customers as well as her longtime service to AWWA shows her dedication to AWWA’s mission of providing a safe and sufficient water supply for all.
Melissa Mack received the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award at Texas WaterTM 2025. This award honors outstanding volunteer service to the international humanitarian effort to ensure safe drinking water in developing counties.
Mack has been helping with the silent auction for many years and has consistently distinguished herself as a volunteer that can always be counted on. This past year, she volunteered to be a co-chair and has revolutionized the structure of how we plan for and execute the auction. With her leadership, we’re looking to raise the bar again for revenue for Water For People.
Texas AWWA recognized its local chapters for their achievements and valuable contributions at Texas WaterTM 2025.
The Capital Area Chapter has excelled in fostering member engagement and industry awareness through a dynamic communications strategy. Their approach integrates digital platforms, newsletters, and interactive community engagement efforts so members remain informed and connected.
CAC’s use of LinkedIn has increased its online presence and created a collaborative space for industry discussions, news sharing, and recognition of member achievements. Its bi-monthly newsletter delivers relevant content ranging from industry updates to
event highlights, strengthening member involvement and participation. By incorporating direct member feedback through surveys and adapting communication efforts accordingly, CAC has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement.
CAC has launched new communication initiatives, including a webinar series featuring industry experts and a podcast that highlights member success stories.
The South Texas Chapter has led impactful initiatives to raise awareness about water-related issues and promote sustainability. Their efforts extend beyond
CONTINUED PAGE 35 | chapter awards
TAWWA and WEAT honored members for their efforts to communicate with the public. At Texas WaterTM 2025, the winners of the annual Watermark Awards were recognized.
CATEGORY I Communications Programs: internal campaigns, external campaigns, crisis communications
Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: Communicating Changes to Outdoor Water Rules Small Utility » Johnson County Special Utility District: 2024 WaterSmart Campaign. River Authorities or Districts » Upper Trinity Regional Water District: Pledge 2 Water Less Y’all’ Campaign Honorable Mention » City of Irving Water Utilities: Envelope Advertising: How to Use “Old Methods” to Make New Impressions.
CATEGORY II Publications: annual reports, water quality reports, brochures, postcards, etc.
Large Utility » City of Irving Water Utilities: Envelope Advertising: How to Use “Old Methods” to Make New Impressions. River Authorities or Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Centennial Book Honorable Mentions » Fort Worth Water: Encouraging Customer and Utility Stewardship 2023 Annual Report. Arlington Water Utilities: Don’t be corny - save water! Halloween outreach.
CATEGORY III Digital Content: websites, social media, infographics, logos, etc.
Large Utility » El Paso Water: Trust Your Tap Social Media Campaign. River Authorities or Districts » San Jacinto River Authority: Lake Conroe Story Map Honorable Mentions » Austin Water: Intranet Design and Launch. City of College Station: Green Prairie Water Tower Gets a New Look.
CATEGORY IV Community Outreach and Education Programs: events, curriculums, programs
Large Utility » McAllen Public Utility: Water Education Camps. Small Utility » City of Allen: Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project. River Authorities or Districts » San Jacinto River
CONTINUED PAGE 34 | watermark awards
children about the value of water through the "One Water" concept.
The City of Irving Water Utilities Department developed a program that blends education with entertainment, utilizing hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions to instill water stewardship principles in young residents.
By engaging campers with games, prizes, and personalized interactions, the program ensures that the key messages of water conservation and environmental awareness leave a lasting impact.
Further, we give each participant tools and guidance on how to communicate this information effectively to the adults in their households. Over the years, the initiative has grown, expanding to three recreation centers and reaching more children.
The City of Allen modernized its water system with smart water meters (Advanced Meter Infrastructure-AMI).
This transition addresses concerns stemming from rapidly rising water costs, the city’s inability to provide customer insight into water usage, inability to identify leaks past the meter, and inconsistent billing intervals.
By leveraging AMI, the city strengthens its position as a forward-thinking community, promoting resource efficiency, customer satisfaction, and data-driven water management facing ongoing population growth and climatic variations.
To educate the community about this initiative, the city produced a series of seven innovative, informative videos. These videos introduce the benefits, transition, registration and humorous "Avoiding Water Bill Surprises" of smart meters. By leveraging smart meter technology and engaging educational content, Allen empowers its residents to make informed decisions
and so much
about their water usage, contributing to sustainable resource management and improved customer satisfaction.
Indirect: Texas Water Trade: Net Zero Water Toolkit – A Decentralized Water Resource
Net Zero Water is the design mindset that prioritizes the use of onsite water sources for a project’s resilience and reliability. This impactful demand management strategy has been proven to reduce a building’s potable water use by 40-80% annually and can be implemented in tandem with other One Water strategies.
Texas Water Trade convened a working group of experienced Texas practitioners to catalogue onsite water knowledge ranging from water quality, health and safety, treatment technology, regulatory permitting, development and financing vehicles, installation, operations, and maintenance.
This wide net of information was organized into a multipage infographic called the Net Zero Toolkit and published for free use. The Toolkit provides a comprehensible dive into the practice that will benefit planners, engineers, and the public.
The Bob Derrington Reuse Award is named after the visionary and innovative Odessa Texas Utility Manager who, in the 1980s, expanded Odessa’s existing water reuse program. As a strong advocate for reuse, Derrington understood that the beneficial use of treated effluent and water conservation would help develop the expansion of reuse in Texas.
The City of Garland has grown from operating a single wastewater treatment plant to managing two stateof-the-art biological wastewater treatment facilities that serve Garland, Sachse, Rowlett, parts of Dallas, Richardson, and Sunnyvale. These facilities have undergone several expansions to meet the needs of a growing population and increased nutrient loading in the service area.
In 1999, Garland launched its Direct Use Recycled Water Program in partnership with Luminant’s Forney
CONTINUED PAGE 32 | conservation & reuse awards
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 | watermark awards
Authority: School Tours. Honorable Mention » San Antonio Water System: The San Antonio Water History Tour
CATEGORY V OpEds and Features River Authorities or Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Employee Spotlight Series.
CATEGORY VI Multimedia: video and photography
Large Utility » City of Georgetown: Follow Your Georgetown Water Schedule. Small Utility » City of Allen: Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project River Authorities or Districts » Upper Trinity Regional Water District: Cycle & Soak Video. Honorable Mentions » El Paso Water: Aquifer Replenishment Video City of College Station: Summer Fun Video Shorts.
MEDIA AWARDS
Jenny Lee, Investigative Reporter/TV Anchor, KVUE News, Austin, TX: A new high school program aims to help the looming labor shortage in the water industry.
Honorable Mention » KAMU Public Broadcasting: Waterful Wednesdays Summer Fun Series
You can read more about each winner in the Awards Program: https://tinyurl.com/tw25awardsprogram
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 | ballard award
understanding how to manager and sustain utility operations, even in the worst of times.
Created in 1999, the "Doc" Ballard Award recognizes Texas Section members who have distinguished themselves by using their personal influence to shape the course of change in our profession by helping utilities and individuals serve the profession better. This award is not presented every year and only goes to those whose selfless contributions to the industry deserve recognition.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26 | chapter awards
fundraising, focusing on hands-on service projects that benefit the community.
Key initiatives include the Basura Bash creek cleanup, Imagine a Day Without Water art contest, and the Walk 4 More Water for Africa campaign. These efforts engage volunteers in meaningful activities that enhance water conservation awareness while providing tangible benefits to local and global communities.
The Chapter has sustained engagement and longterm impact by fostering partnerships with educational institutions and community groups. Their partnership with local municipalities has led to expanded clean-up efforts and public education campaigns, significantly increasing their outreach impact.
The North Central Texas Chapter has distinguished itself through its commitment to providing valuable educational opportunities for industry professionals. Their events cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that knowledge-sharing remains at the core of their initiatives.
The annual Robert F. Pence Drinking Water Seminar features expert-led sessions on water treatment, operations, and regulatory updates, and their technical presentations, plant tours, and YP training events have expanded access to educational resources.
Through a combination of in-person and virtual training opportunities, NCT has demonstrated adaptability and commitment to professional development. In 2024, NCT introduced an online training portal, allowing members to access recorded webinars and technical resources on demand.
The South Texas Chapter has raised significant funds to support industry initiatives and scholarships while fostering strong community engagement. Their ability to organize well-attended and impactful events has contributed to their fundraising success.
Events such as the Hill Country Classic Golf Tournament and Bingo for Bags combine entertainment with philanthropy, generating crucial financial support for scholarships and community initiatives while enhancing camaraderie among members and industry partners.
Through strategic sponsorship and creative event planning, the Chapter has set an impressive standard in fundraising efforts. In 2024, their fundraising efforts enabled the establishment of new student scholarships.
The Desert Mountain Chapter has shown tremendous growth in membership by implementing innovative engagement strategies and a welcoming environment for new and existing members. Their efforts in creating a TAWWA Student Chapter at the University of Texas at El Paso have been particularly impactful. They provide students with structured networking opportunities and industry exposure. DMC’s YP initiatives, leadership development programs, and strategic social events have further contributed to member engagement and retention. The Chapter has expanded its membership base by emphasizing mentorship, community-building, and professional growth while ensuring long-term retention. In addition, DMC launched a member referral program that incentivizes current members to bring in new professionals, resulting in a 20% membership increase in 2024.
The Southeast Texas Chapter has demonstrated exemplary commitment to mentorship, creating opportunities for career development and leadership training for members at all levels.
A highlight is the first-ever TAWWA/WEAT Mentor Program Webinar, which provided structured guidance and professional networking opportunities for emerging industry leaders. SE’s Student Outreach Initiative further supports career pathways by engaging university students in facility tours, mentorship programs, and industry events.
The chapter’s leadership pipeline program, which encourages YPs to take on leadership roles within the chapter, has been a key driver of success. SE has also partnered with local utilities to develop an internshipto-employment program, providing mentorship and hands-on opportunities for students and young professionals. This initiative has successfully placed numerous graduates into full-time roles within the water industry.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair
pressing challenges of water management, sustainability, and infrastructure.
We were thrilled to welcome the President of AWWA, Cheryl Porter, to the conference this year. She expressed admiration for the vibrant work being done in Texas. She was particularly impressed by the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines our community — a testament to your dedication and the collective impact of our efforts.
This year’s conference also saw the introduction of some exciting new initiatives. For the first time, we hosted the TAWWA Student Design Competition for university students, offering them a platform to showcase their innovative ideas for the future of water. Additionally, we launched the Water License Exam Prep Workshop, which helped operators prepare for C, B, or A license exams. This new session provided an in-depth look at the licensing process and offered critical insights for aspiring utility operators. These new initiatives were an invaluable opportunity for attendees looking to advance their careers and become certified in the field.
One of the highlights of the conference was the recognition of our awardees for the annual TAWWA awards. Congratulations to all of our distinguished awardees! Their hard work and dedication to the water industry are an inspiration to us all.
We are also proud to welcome our newly elected Board members:
Christianne Castleberry – AWWA Director-Elect
Julie Hunt – Vice Chair
Stefanie Massey – North Central Trustee
Christiana Burleson – Central Trustee
Jordan Hibbs – Central West Trustee
Nichol (Nikki) Ingram – East Texas Trustee
Adriana Castillo – Permian Basin Trustee
Kate Halloway – Southeast Trustee
Lance Rothe – South Central Trustee
Dhruv Deshmukh – Coastal Bend Trustee
Javier Santiago – Rio Grande Valley Trustee
Connecting Texas with D.C. I also had the privilege of representing Texas at the AWWA National Water Policy Fly-In in early April, an event that brings together water professionals from across the nation every year to advocate for key water-related issues in Washington, D.C. During this week, we met with members of Congress, participated in policy briefings, and discussed the specific water challenges facing Texas. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with water professionals from across the country and meet directly with policymakers in Washington, D.C. The experience reinforced for me how critical it is for us to not only focus on the challenges we face in our local communities but also to ensure our voices are heard at the national level. In particular, we emphasized the need for increased funding for Texas water infrastructure. Texas is home to some of the nation’s most rapidly growing cities, vast rural areas, and a range of unique challenges when it comes to managing water resources. Our state’s infrastructure needs significant investment to ensure reliable, safe, and sustainable water delivery to communities across Texas.
This year, the Fly-In underscored several key priorities that are directly relevant to Texas. From advocating for federal investments in water infrastructure to tackling water affordability issues, these are conversations we must continue to have if we are to ensure
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 | public service award
consistent water and wastewater services by launching and leading the TAWWA Small Systems Division and collaborating with AWWA’s Community Engineering Corp team.
He also served as Chair of the St Vincent de Paul Society from 1988-1996. SVDP makes home visits to assist low-income individuals in dire need with food, furniture, funds for utilities and rent.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 | mike howe award
He piloted the SETH program in the summer of 2024, to a small group of high school students in Pflugerville. The SETH students had over a 50% pass rate on the TCEQ Class D Water license exam, with 25% of those students already finding jobs in the water industry. Sharp continues to guide the SETH Project team as utilities and school districts partner statewide.
c/o GCP Association Services, LLC
PO Box 676 | Pflugerville, TX 78691
512-251-8101 | (f) 512-251-8152
txh20@tawwa.org | www.tawwa.org
With