Texas H2O Post Conference 2026

TEXASh2o | Post Conference 2026 |

The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA | Every Drop, Every Day, Everywhere©

San Antonio Hosts a Record-Breaking Texas WaterTM!

TW26 Award Winners | Scholarship Info | And More!

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| texas water 2026 |

Thanks for attending Texas WaterTM!

I

f you joined us for Texas WaterTM 2026 in San Antonio – thank you! We hope you enjoyed the conference and had a chance to attend some of the 250 informative technical presentations, visit with exhibitors in the jam-packed exhibit hall, scope out the competitions and network with the more than 8,000 people who attended.

We hope to see you next year at Texas WaterTM 2027 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, March 30–April 2, 2027!

Save the date!

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 3 |

| letter from the texas section chair |

Thank you for Making Texas Water a Success!

Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org Mary Gugliuzza, Chair 817-392-8253 Julie Hunt, Chair-Elect 817-228-2947 Greg Wukasch, Vice-Chair 210-845-0676 Marisa Vergara, Imm. Past Chair 210-798-2314 Daniel Nix Executive Director/Secretary-Treasurer 512-238-9292 Fax: 512-238-0496 danielnix.wf@gmail.com This publication is distributed bi-monthly to the more than 4,500 members and friends of the Texas Section – American Water Works Association.

Contributing writers can contact the editor: Elizabeth Rose GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 TXh20@tawwa.org The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2026 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc. © 2026 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.

FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND X!

Texas AWWA

@txawwa

BY MARY GUGLIUZZA texas section chair

A

mazing. Fantastic. Incredible. Energetic.

Educational. Fun. Sensational.

I could go on and on with superlatives and adjectives to describe Texas WaterTM 2026.

What an experience! In case you have not heard, we shattered attendance records! There were also records for the number of competition teams, exhibitors and papers presented.

Thank you to all the San Antonio Local Host MARY GUGLIUZZA Committee members who worked for eight 817-392-8253 months to make it go so smoothly, and to the mary.gugliuzza@fortworthtexas.gov hundreds of others who helped out before and during the conference. Thank you to all the committee members who reviewed the record number of abstracts submitted. It takes a huge team to pull off the largest regional water conference.© Most importantly, thank you to all who attended. This conference is for you so be sure to complete the survey. Tell us how we did and how we can improve. Mark your calendars for Texas WaterTM 2027 in Houston from March 30 to April 2.

A big thank you and my heartfelt appreciation goes to Marisa Vergara, who did an amazing job leading the Texas Section for the past year. She led us to become the largest section of AWWA. Now the challenge is to keep that title. I know Cal-Nevada is working to reclaim it.

I am humbled to serve you as chair of the Texas Section in the coming year, and grateful for the incredible, conscientious group of people I will be working with on the Executive Committee – Chair-Elect Julie Hunt, Vice Chair Greg Wukasch, Past Chair Marisa Vergara, Director Drew Molly, Director Christianne Castleberry, Water Utility Council Chair Dan Crowley, and Executive Director Daniel Nix. We are diverse in our backgrounds and our styles, but we are here to serve you. Please reach out to any of us with your concerns or ideas.

As I look at the year ahead, we have a lot of exciting things planned through all of our hard-working chapters and committees. The first Texas YP Summit with WEAT is in October; attendance is capped so register

| 4 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

CONTINUED PAGE 26 | letter from the texas section chair

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| executive director report |

Celebration

BY DANIEL NIX tawwa executive director The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

- Oprah Winfrey

T

exas AWWA has a lot to celebrate.

Texas Water™ 2026 was another outstanding conference and a record-breaking event in many respects. Once again, we surpassed attendance records, reflecting the continued growth of our organization and the tremendous value that Texas Water™ provides to our members. The conference featured an exceptional technical program developed from a record number of abstract submissions.

Receiving more than 1,000 abstracts is a testament to the prestige associated with presenting at Texas Water™ and the value the conference delivers to the water community. The Exhibit Hall welcomed a record number of vendors, and our competitions attracted more teams than ever before.

A huge thank you goes to the San Antonio Local Host Committee, whose dedication and hard work made this year’s conference such a success. Planning and executing an event of this magnitude requires countless hours of effort, teamwork, and vision. Now that the conference has concluded, it is time to celebrate your achievements and the impact you have made. Thank you for your commitment to excellence. I look forward to working with all of you again in 2028.

Texas will also be well represented at the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) this year, with seven new teams traveling to Washington, D.C., along with two returning teams that captured national titles last year. Our representatives will once again showcase the talent, innovation, and dedication that make Texas a leader in the water industry. If you are attending ACE, be sure to support our fellow Texans by attending the competitions, cheering them on, and celebrating their accomplishments.

As many of you read in the last TEXASh2o newsletter,

| 6 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

Texas is now the largest Section within the AWWA family. That achievement is certainly worth celebrating.

However, maintaining that distinction requires all of us to remain engaged. By actively recruiting peers, encouraging participation, DANIEL NIX and helping retain members, 512-238-9292 danielnix.wf@gmail.com we can continue to strengthen our organization. Make sharing the benefits of Texas AWWA part of your celebration and invite others to become part of this thriving and growing community.

Looking ahead, we have several exciting opportunities that continue to deliver value to your TAWWA membership.

The third Agriculture Water Sustainability Summit (AWSS) will be held August 24–26 in Lubbock, Texas.

While the title highlights agriculture, this summit is equally relevant to municipalities, as agriculture and municipal systems are the two largest users of water in Texas. From farm fields to household faucets, we share many of the same challenges—ensuring reliable supplies of high-quality water for future generations.

This summit provides a unique opportunity for professionals from both sectors to exchange ideas, share solutions, and learn from one another. A review of the AWSS agenda on the TAWWA website reveals a diverse range of presentations and discussions that offer valuable insights for water professionals across all disciplines. I hope to see many of you there.

CONTINUED PAGE 32 | executive director report

www.tawwa.org

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| scholarships |

Texas AWWA Scholarships are Open — Apply Today!

T

he application process is now open for TAWWA's annual scholarships: The Texas Section AWWA Scholarship, the Plummer/TAWWA Environmental Scholarship and the One AWWA Operator Scholarship.

The deadline for each is July 31, 2026 and the application process is all online.

Please note that there are separate applications for each scholarship. The qualifications for each one are different and to be considered, applicants will need to fill out each form separately and submit materials separately. Failure to follow instructions may cause disqualification from consideration.

To review the requirements and to apply, visit www.tawwa.org/page/scholarships.

Please contact scholarship@tawwa.org with any questions.

On the webpage, you can also find links to donate directly to support our Scholarship Program or you can support our Scholarship Program by purchasing your Water Conservation License Plate anytime during the year.

Find out more at: www.tawwa.org/page/scholarships

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 9 |

| preparing for growth |

If You Fund It, They Will Come: Preparing Texas Water Organizations for the Next Decade of Growth, Part II

BY DR. BARB JOHNSON aim foresight group, a division of elston johnson & associates

I

n my previous TEXASh2o article, I focused on the business landscape and changes that are reshaping Texas water, including a significant increase in new engineering firms coming into the state, and increase in private equity, and business consolidation. These changes are a direct result of the increase in legislative funding and the State’s commitment of one billion dollars per year, for the next 20 years. Those forces are real, and they are already influencing how Texas firms position themselves in the market. But the most significant effects are happening inside organizations.

The pressures created by growth, competition, and regulatory complexity eventually show up in the workforce, in leadership, and in operational systems.

The conversations happening across Texas water organizations right now are not new: workforce shortages, leadership gaps, organizational strain, and the pressure to modernize have been on our radar for more than a decade. We’ve identified these issues, studied them, and built countless committees and initiatives around them. Yet the conditions we once described as "emerging" are here, shaping the daily reality of organizations across the state.

The Texas WaterTM 2026 conference continued with those themes. More than a hundred presentations touched on the challenges we’ve been tracking for years including demographic shifts (retirement outpacing new employees in the industry), operator shortages, permitting complexity, legislative changes and funding, emerging industries impacting the industry (namely, data centers), and the growing influence of technology. And I suspect that offline, there were many conversations about acquisitions and investments, as I wrote about in my previous article.

Whether you choose to remain independent, merge with another firm, or be acquired, or if you are new to

| 10 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

Texas and looking to get a foothold, the question is no longer whether opportunities will come. The question is whether your organization is ready for them.

Readiness becomes the difference between writing your next chapter or reading about it later.

Organizational readiness and workforce development are instrumental to business success and require an intentional approach. They are the foundation for whether a firm can meet today’s demands and prepare for the future. And while the challenges are well known, the way we’ve been trying to solve them hasn’t kept pace with the speed of change around us.

Flying Through Turbulence Organizational readiness is the degree to which an organization is prepared to navigate change. It reflects the confidence, motivation, and shared commitment of the people doing the work, as well as the strength of the systems, processes, and culture that support them.

When readiness is high, organizations can absorb turbulence without losing stability. When readiness is low, even small disruptions create strain. (Tasleem, Gulati, Sharma, 2023, Iconic Research and Engineering Journal) Organizational readiness reminds me of something I learned from a pilot years ago as we flew through the High Plains winds in Lubbock. When we landed, I was a nervous wreck, but the pilot was cool as a cucumber. I wanted to learn more about turbulence and I asked him why he looked so calm. I learned that when a plane encounters rough air, the pilot does not respond with dramatic maneuvers. The aircraft itself is created to absorb movement. Its structure, flexibility, and design allow it to ride through turbulence with minimal intervention. The pilot stays aware, monitors CONTINUED PAGE 28 | preparing for growth

www.tawwa.org

| fuller award |

Donald Lange, Marisa Vergara Honored with Fuller Award

O

ne 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 Donald Lange and Marisa Vergara. TAWWA recognized them at Texas WaterTM 2026 in San Antonio and they will also be honored at AWWA ACE in Washington, D.C., in June.

Lange, part of BGE's Fort Worth office, has dedicated his career to planning, designing and delivering critical water and wastewater infrastructure across the state.

He is a Texas A&M University graduate and a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas. In 2007, he volunteered to take on the demanding role of managing the Texas

Donald Lange is announced as a George Warren Fuller Award winner at Texas WaterTM 2026. The award recipients are selected by previous award winners and kept a secret until the Awards Luncheon.

www.tawwa.org

Marisa Vergara is announced as a George Warren Fuller Award winner at Texas WaterTM 2026. Due to the growth of TAWWA, two Fuller awards can be given out each year.

Water Exhibit Hall, personally overseeing exhibitor move-in, set up, supervision and issue resolution.

Lange has served as the "voice of the exhibit hall" for almost 20 years and has helped Texas Water grow into what it is today.

Vergara, Texas/Oklahoma Water Regional Director and Senior Vice President at STV, has specialized in water supply, treatment, reuse and program management over her 29-year career. She graduated from Texas A&M University and earned her master's degree in engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is a two-time Texas Water Local Host Committee Co-Chair and helped launch the South Texas Chapter's Water For People golf tournament and Scholarship Dinner. She also most recently served as chair of the Texas Section.

To read more about this award, visit

tinyurl.com/tw26awards

TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 13 |

| ballard award |

Alicia Diehl Recognized with Doc Ballard Award

A

licia Diehl was recognized with the W. T. "Doc" Ballard Award during Texas WaterTM 2026 in San Antonio. 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.

Dr. Diehl joined the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in 1997, becoming an integral part of the Water Supply Division's Texas Optimization Program, supporting public water systems in optimizing treatment distribution operations. She also served as Team Leader of the Drinking Water Quality team for many years, overseeing implementation of Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

TAWWA recognizes Dr. Diehl for her lifelong mission to protect public health, advance water quality knowledge, and support the operators and engineers who keep drinking water systems running safely.

Alicia Diehl is presented with the Ballard Award at Texas Water by TAWWA Executive Director Daniel Nix, incoming TAWWA Chair Mary Gugliuzza and AWWA Vice President Ken Kawahara.

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 15 |

| maverick award |

Anissa Calamaco Recognized with Maverick Award

A

nissa Calamaco was presented with the Young Professionals Maverick Award at Texas WaterTM 2026 in San Antonio.

The Maverick Award recognizes a young professional in the Texas Section who exemplifies qualities of volunteerism, community involvement, leadership and outstanding service to the water community.

As a water/wastewater engineering specialist at STV, Calamaco contributes to improving water quality and strengthening critical infrastructure across the state. As YP chair, she revitalized the South Texas Chapter YP Committee, expanding engagement through programs centered on professional development, connection, and inclusion. She's coordinated and supported numerous chapter initiatives, including the Brad Groves Bowling Social, the YP Volleyball Tournament, and the annual scholarship fundraiser and was active in Texas WaterTM 2026 planning.

Anissa Calamaco is presented with the Maverick Award at Texas Water by AWWA Vice President Ken Kawahara.

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 17 |

| mike howe award |

Jessica Woods Receives Mike Howe Outstanding Service Award

J

essica Woods, with the City of Round Rock, received the Mike Howe Outstanding Service to TAWWA Award at Texas WaterTM 2026, which recognizes those who have had a significant positive impact on the association.

As chair of the Texas AWWA Water Efficiency Division, Woods is committed to training utility water conservation practitioners in best practices to craft the best programs for their communities.

In 2022, she led the task force that completed the only comprehensive Texas Municipal Water Conservation Coordinator Guidebook designed specifically for Texas utility conservation coordinators to meet legislative requirements.

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Jessica Woods receives the Mike Howe Outstanding Service Award at Texas Water from Mike Howe and AWWA Vice President Ken Kawahara.

This guidebook is the first in the country to provide specific and comprehensive guidance for all levels of municipal water conservation and water management.

For her many years of extraordinary and committed leadership in helping utilities to build a long-term water supply for Texas, and for leading and guiding the extraordinary group of dedicated water conservation and water management volunteers spread across five subcommittees, the Texas Section AWWA is honored to present the Mike Howe Outstanding Service to TAWWA Award to Woods.

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| dean sharp award |

City of Pflugerville Presented with Dean Sharp Award

T

he City of Pflugerville was presented with the Dean Sharp Utility Award at Texas WaterTM 2026 in San Antonio. This award recognizes TAWWA water utilities that have performed exception services in support of the SETH program that resulted in lasting impacts to the SETH participants.

The City of Pflugerville has worked with Pflugerville ISD for four years to introduce high school seniors to careers in the water and wastewater industry through outreach and summer internships.

The SETH curriculum has been championed by this partnership during the 2024 & 2025 Summer Skilled Trades Academy. The City of Pflugerville Utility CONTINUED PAGE 33 | dean sharp award

The City of Pflugerville receives the Dean Sharp Utility Award from Dean Sharp and AWWA Vice President Ken Kawahara at Texas Water.

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 19 |

| competition winners |

Congrats to our Texas WaterTM 2026 Competition Winners!

Best Tasting Drinking Water: Winner: City of Horseshoe Bay | 1st Runner Up: San Jacinto River Authority/GRP Division | 2nd Runner Up: City of Deer Park Hydrant Hysteria: Men's Division: 1st Place: City of Seguin - Seguin Stunnas | 2nd Place: San Antonio Water System Women's Division: 1st Place: San Antonio Water System - Hydrant Wranglers | 2nd Place: City of Denton - Denton Divaas Meter Challenge: 1st Place: Tommy McCormick, City of Seguin | 2nd Place: Dennis Laskowski, San Antonio Water System | 3rd Place: Octavio Carrizalez, San Antonio Water System Pipe Tapping: Men's Division: 1st Place: City of Dallas - Lone Star Tappers | 2nd Place: City of Arlington - Dream City Tappers | 3rd Place: City of Fort Worth - Fort Worth Outlaws Women's Division: 1st Place: City of Dallas - Ladies Lone Star Tappers | 2nd Place: San Antonio Water Systems - Alamo City Tappers | 3rd Place: City of Fort Worth - Lady Bandits Top Ops: North Texas Municipal Water District - Water Wizards

Texas AWWA winners will compete at the national AWWA ACE competitions in June in Washington, D.C. You can still register to attend and cheer on our competitors!

Visit https://ace.awwa.org for more information.

| 20 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

www.tawwa.org

| wfp award |

Katie Oversteet Receives Water For People Award

K

atie Overstreet received the Water For People Kenneth J. Miller Founder's Award at Texas WaterTM 2026. This award honors outstanding volunteer service to the international humanitarian effort to ensure safe drinking water in developing counties.

Overstreet is the utilities manager with the San Antonio River Authority. She has over 10 years of wastewater experience and currently oversees the wastewater utility operations and infrastructure improvements. She received her B.S. From Texas A&M University in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.

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Katie Overstreet receives the Water For People Award from WEAT Past President Alissa Lockett, WEF Trustee Kalpna Solanki, AWWA Vice President Ken Kawahara and TAWWA Past Chair Marisa Vergara.

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 21 |

| chapter awards |

Texas AWWA Chapter Award Winners

T

exas AWWA recognized its local chapters for their achievements and valuable contributions at Texas WaterTM 2026.

Communications: Desert Mountain Chapter Recognizing the need to better engage students, young professionals, and emerging leaders, the Desert Mountain Chapter broadened its social media presence beyond email and LinkedIn by launching a new Instagram platform. This strategic expansion helped DMC increase visibility, enhance connection, and build a more accessible and inclusive online community.

The DMC’s dual-platform strategy integrates traditional email announcements with consistent, timely updates across LinkedIn and Instagram.

| 22 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

Knowing emails can get lost in congested inboxes, DMC prioritizes social media as an additional announcement method. Since launching the LinkedIn page in 2022, the DMC has seen steady and encouraging growth. The page experienced a 44.5% increase by gaining 153 new followers in 2025, for a total of 497 followers. Now the chapter’s focus is to expanding its Instagram presence.

The goal is to nurture meaningful engagement among members through consistent interaction and educational content tailored to students and earlycareer professionals.

Member engagement has increased through community participation. Many members share event announcements, repost promotions, and offer CONTINUED PAGE 34 | chapter awards

www.tawwa.org

| watermark awards |

Watermark Awards Applaud Communication

T

AWWA and WEAT honored members for their efforts to communicate with the public. At Texas WaterTM 2026, the winners of the annual Watermark Awards were recognized.

CATEGORY I Communications programs: internal campaigns, external campaigns, crisis communications Large Utility » Woodland’s Water Agency: WaterSmart: Turning Data Into Conservation Action Small Utility » Johnson County Special Utility District: JCSUD PFAS State of Emergency Response River Authorities or Water Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Workday Implementation Communications Campaign

| 24 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

Non-Utilities » Harris-Galveston Subsidence District: An Altruistic Approach to Celebrating HGSD’s 50th Anniversary CATEGORY II Publications: annual reports, water quality reports, brochures, postcards, etc.

Large Utility » Austin Water: Austin Water’s Strategic Plan Small Utility » Gulf Coast Authority: Gulf Coast Authority’s Clarifier River Authorities or Water Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Integrated Water Supply Plan One-Pager Honorable Mention » City of Irving Water Utilities: More Than a CCR: The History and Reliability Behind Irving’s Drinking Water CONTINUED PAGE 37 | watermark awards

www.tawwa.org

| water conservation and reuse |

Water Conservation and Reuse Award Winners

E

ach year, the Texas Section AWWA Conservation and Reuse Division recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence in Water Conservation and Reuse Practices. Here are this year's winners:

for reuse long before it was popular, Bob Derrington understood that the beneficial use of treated effluent and water conservation would not only increase water supplies for Odessa but help develop the expansion of reuse in Texas.

Small Utility - Quantifiable Project: Terranova West Municipal Utility District: Effluent Reuse Program

The winner of the Bob Derrington Reclamation Award:

Medium Utility - Quantifiable Project: City of Cleburne: WWTP Expansion & Indirect Potable Reuse Program Large Utility - Quantifiable Project: City of Austin: Landscape Transformation for New Single-Family Homes

City of Cleburne: WWTP Expansion & Indirect Potable Reuse Program You can read more about the winners in the Awards Program: https://tinyurl.com/tw26awards

Non-Utility - Indirect Project: Tarrant Regional Water District: Empowering Your Water Champions: TRWD Youth Conservation Classes and Events Medium Utility - Indirect Project: Texas Water Company: Texas Water Company Integrates One Water Large Utility - Indirect Project: El Paso Water: Landscape Expo: An Inaugural Event Bob Derrington Reclamation Award: This 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

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| letter from the texas section chair |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair quickly if you want to participate.

The third annual Agricultural Water Sustainability Summit is in August in Lubbock. The name of this conference is deceiving. The intent is to bring together the two largest water user groups in Texas — agriculture and municipal — to work together for solutions to our states water challenges. If one group is out of water, so is the other. If you work for a water utility, please consider attending.

Lastly, I want to let you know my focus for the coming year will be on encouraging member involvement in the Section’s committees and in AWWA councils and committees. Why? Getting involved is a great way to grow both personally and professionally.

You build a network of peers you can turn to for help or who you can help; and who you can learn from and who you can learn from you. And you can build lasting friendships.

It is our Section committees that rate the abstracts submitted for Texas WaterTM and who develop the educational webinars or in-person training sessions for our members. Some committees have more than 100 abstracts to review and can use more members to help.

As AWWA’s largest section, we should have a

presence in many AWWA committees and all of its councils. Getting on a council means putting in time as a member of one of the many committees that fall under that council. The six AWWA Councils are Standards, Technical Education, Water Utility, Public Affairs, International and Manufacturers and Associates. Our Section currently has four members on three councils. Elston Johnson of Austin is on the Standards Council. Christina Montoya of El Paso is on the Public Affairs Council. Dan Crowley of San Antonio and Stephen Gay of Denton are on the Water Utility Council.

In addition, Stacy Barna of Austin will begin a threeyear term as chair of the Small Systems Division at the conclusion of ACE in June. Elston Johnson has just been appointed to serve on this division, too. Tim Grgec of Fort Worth becomes chair of the AWWA Water Loss Control Committee at the conclusion of ACE. Both the Small System Division and the Water Loss Control Committee fall under the Technical Education Council.

I know I am leaving out others in our Section who are serving at the Association level. I apologize, and please let me know who you are and your Committee, Division or Council.

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities at either the Section or Association, please reach out to me.

Would you like to share what your Chapter, Committee or Division has been up to?

Contribute an article to be featured in Texas H2O! Send articles to txh20@tawwa.org

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tawwa.org/event/wfpgolf2026 Texas AWWA is a 501(c)(3) Education, Scientific, organizations. All donations to the Texas Section AWWA and their chapters are accepted as non-restricted donations to support the approved mission specific purposes of Texas AWWA.

| preparing for growth |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 | preparing for growth the instruments, and makes measured adjustments only when the situation calls for it. The pilot may climb above a turbulent band or alter course if other pilots ahead report rough conditions.

Overcorrecting in turbulence can create more instability than the turbulence itself. The pilot’s steadiness is what keeps the aircraft safe. After all turbulence cannot be seen on a radar. Pilots see the conditions that may create turbulence and they rely on reports from aircraft ahead to understand what they are flying into. That combination of structural design and shared intelligence is what keeps the aircraft stable.

In the same way, if leaders overreact to changes in the environment with sudden shifts, dramatic decisions, or constant course corrections they unintentionally amplify the turbulence they are trying to manage. They are flying through turbulence with systems that require constant manual correction. Every shift in work, market shifts, regulation, or staffing becomes a moment of instability.

Organizational readiness determines whether a firm can navigate a turbulent environment with confidence, especially in a seller’s market where legacy Texas firms have more options than ever. But readiness is not only structural. It is human. The workforce is the engine that carries strategy into execution, and the pressure on that workforce is already visible across the state.

Workforce development is the next essential component of readiness.

Workforce Development While I think the turbulence metaphor is perfect for organizational readiness, a more appropriate metaphor for workforce development comes from the water industry. Workforce development today resembles a distribution system operating under uneven pressure.

Some areas have enough flow to meet demand, while others are stretched thin. Retirement ("Silver Tsunami"), competition from private firms, and the pace of growth have created pockets of low pressure across the state.

When one part of the system loses pressure, the strain shifts elsewhere. In these conditions, team dynamics can be impacted, workloads increase, and the organization begins to feel the cumulative effect.

Just as water systems rely on steady, reliable pressure to function, organizations rely on a workforce that is trained, supported, and prepared. When that pressure is inconsistent, the entire system becomes reactive.

Leaders spend more time managing shortages than planning for the future while staff carry heavier loads and trust decreases. The organization becomes vulnerable to even small disruptions.

Recent studies reinforce this reality. A report from the Texas Water Foundation and Texas Rural Funders warns that the next major water system failure in Texas is likely to be caused or worsened by a workforce issue. This includes unfilled positions, inadequate training, or delayed repairs (Texas Water Foundation & Texas Rural Funders, 2024). AWWA’s 2024 and 2026 State of the Water Industry reports echo this concern, noting that a significant portion of the water workforce is nearing retirement and that utilities need a more

Organizational Readiness Dimensions: Dimension

Description

Examples in Texas Water Organizations

Infrastructure

Systems, processes, clarity

SOPs, QA/QC, communication channels

People

Capacity, competence, commitment

Trust in leadership, willingness to adapt

Resource

Staffing, training, tools

Workforce pipelines, licensure support

Culture

Norms, shared values, behaviors

Stability, collaboration, resilience

Strategic

Ability to anticipate and plan

Foresight, scenario thinking, early signals

| 28 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

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| preparing for growth |

technology savvy pipeline of new workers to keep pace with operational demands (AWWA, 2024; AWWA, 2026).

Rural communities face even greater vulnerability, with fewer training pathways and limited access to licensed operators.

Workforce shortages are systemic, not cyclical.

Limited certification pathways, the rapid growth of Texas communities, and the influx of new firms magnify the issue. Workforce development is not a side project. It is the pressure that keeps the entire system functioning.

Impact of Organizational Readiness and Workforce Development Challenges The turbulence organizations are experiencing today is the result of several forces arriving at once. Workforce shortages have become a defining pressure, and the data confirms this. The Texas Water Foundation report makes clear that labor gaps already threaten the reliability of water systems across the state. AWWA’s national data reinforces the same pattern: retirements are accelerating, and too few new workers are entering

the field to replace them.

Economic forces add another layer. Private investment, mergers, and acquisitions are reshaping the sector. These transactions bring opportunity, but they also introduce new expectations, new reporting structures, and new cultural dynamics. When internal systems are already strained, even positive change can feel destabilizing.

Political dynamics amplify this complexity. Legislative decisions determine the flow of funding, the rules for workforce certification, and the regulatory guardrails that shape how organizations operate. Texas has created conditions that attract investment and encourage growth, but once firms arrive, they encounter a landscape shaped by local, regional, and state requirements. The result is a constant need to adjust, interpret, and respond.

In aviation, turbulence becomes dangerous when the aircraft is not designed to absorb it or when the pilot overcorrects. In organizations, the same pattern holds. When systems are weak, leaders feel compelled CONTINUED PAGE 30 | preparing for growth

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| preparing for growth |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 | preparing for growth to react quickly to every disruption. When the workforce is stretched thin, even small changes create strain.

When political and economic forces shift rapidly, organizations without strong internal structure struggle to maintain stability.

The turbulence is real, but the deeper issue is that many organizations were not built for the conditions they are now flying through.

If an aircraft is designed to absorb turbulence, an organization must be designed to absorb change. That requires intentional work across several dimensions.

Recommendations: 1. Strengthen the internal structure before the next disruption arrives: Clear roles, updated SOPs, reliable communication channels, and consistent decision making processes create stability. These systems reduce the need for constant correction and allow the organization to move through turbulence without losing direction.

2. Build workforce capacity that can hold steady under pressure: Texas Water Foundation and AWWA both emphasize the need for stronger education to career pathways, expanded certification programs, and more intentional training pipelines. Apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and cross training help maintain steady pressure across the organization and reduce vulnerability to retirements or turnover.

3. Develop leaders who can navigate complexity without overreacting: Leaders who understand the difference between monitoring and overcorrecting create calm in the organization. They communicate clearly, respond thoughtfully, and help teams maintain focus even when conditions are shifting: 4. Protect your culture as a stabilizing force: Culture is the structural integrity of the organization.

It holds people together when external pressures

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| preparing for growth |

increase. Defining cultural expectations, reinforcing shared values, and supporting teams through change strengthens the organization’s ability to absorb turbulence.

5. Stay engaged with political and regulatory dynamics: Legislative decisions shape the environment in which organizations operate—from funding cycles to certification pathways to permitting requirements.

Staying informed and involved helps leaders anticipate changes rather than react to them.

6. Use foresight to anticipate turbulence rather than respond to it: Trend scanning, scenario thinking, and early signal monitoring allow organizations to adjust course before conditions become unstable. This is the organizational equivalent of receiving reports from pilots ahead and choosing a smoother path.

7. Leverage an objective expert to support your organizational strategies: Many organizations also benefit from engaging external consultants to support this work. Readiness assessments, workforce development, and foresight exercises are most effective when guided by a neutral, experienced facilitator who can help leaders see patterns, surface assumptions, and navigate complex conversations. In my own consulting work, I’ve seen how an objective third party can create the structure and clarity that allows leaders to focus on the decisions that matter and move through a changing environment with confidence.

Conclusion Organizational readiness is not about eliminating turbulence. It is about building an organization that can move through it without losing stability, clarity, or direction. The future we have been discussing for years has already arrived. The organizations that will thrive are the ones that strengthen their structure, invest in their people, and prepare for the conditions they are already flying through.

The organizations that will navigate this environment with strength are the ones that invest in their internal

www.tawwa.org

structure, build capacity before they need it, and prepare their people for the demands of a changing industry. Readiness is not about predicting every shift.

It is about creating an organization that can move through change without losing its footing.

But structure alone is not enough. Even the best systems depend on the people who lead them. The ability to create stability, communicate clearly, and guide teams through uncertainty is what ultimately determines whether an organization grows or fractures under pressure. Culture plays a central role in that process. It shapes how people respond to change, how they treat one another, and how they carry the mission forward when conditions become difficult.

In the next article, we will look closely at the leadership competencies needed to strengthen trust, build alignment, and create a culture capable of supporting growth. And we will consider how leadership development becomes a strategic advantage in a sector where the future is already pressing in.

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 31 |

| executive director report |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report Also new to the TAWWA lineup of specialty conferences is the inaugural Texas Young Professionals (YP) Summit. Led by Alison Kwong and organized in partnership with our WEAT counterparts, the summit will be held October 5–6 in Austin, Texas. Designed specifically for young professionals from across the state, the event will focus on leadership development, professional networking, and career growth within the water sector. The program includes presentations, interactive activities, and a facility tour, providing attendees with a well-rounded experience. If you are under 35, I encourage you to register when it opens soon, as attendance is limited to 200 participants. If you are beyond your YP years, consider encouraging a young colleague to attend and invest in their future within our industry.

What makes all of these opportunities possible?

Every conference, summit, initiative, and program begins with a member who has an idea and the

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passion to pursue it. If you have an idea that could benefit our industry or our members, I encourage you to get involved. Texas AWWA offers countless opportunities to volunteer through local chapters, divisions, and state-level committees. We welcome your energy, expertise, and vision. All it takes is a willingness to step forward and participate. We are ready to welcome you to the team.

There is no shortage of reasons to celebrate within Texas AWWA. Our success is reflected not only in record-breaking events and membership growth, but also in the dedication of our volunteers, the accomplishments of our members, and the opportunities we create together. As we continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in the future of the water profession, I am confident that our greatest achievements still lie ahead. Let us take time to celebrate how far we have come, while remaining inspired by the possibilities that await us. Together, we will continue building a stronger Texas AWWA and an even brighter future for the water community we serve.

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| 32 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

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| dean sharp award |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 | dean sharp award department serves on the Skilled Trades Consortium, in partnership with Pflugerville ISD. The Skilled Trades Consortium is a collaborative initiative focused on developing a local talent pipeline for high demand skilled trades, particularly in the water and wastewater industries. In 2025, the consortium regionalized their efforts to include other nearby public and private water/wastewater businesses and cities, such as the City of Round Rock, City of Manor, City of Austin, EPCOR, and Crossroads Utility Services.

The consortium meets three to five times each year to plan the annual summer Skilled Trades Academy, through which students complete the SETH curriculum in order to test for the class D water operator license.

The Skilled Trades Academy model’s success is achieved through a blended learning approach.

Students participate in direct instruction, visit treatment plants, well sites, and testing facilities to

see the learning in practice, participate in a resume writing workshop and mock interview, and engage in demonstrations of relevant equipment and processes.

The Pflugerville utility supports the Skilled Trades Academy by providing subject matter experts to supplement the SETH curriculum during the academy, engaging with the students in the aforementioned mock interviews, providing plant tours, and offering internship positions to students who earn the provisional license. Throughout the year utility staff also participate in recruitment activities as an employer partner on the Skilled Trades Consortium.

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 33 |

| chapter awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22 | chapter awards personal insights from sessions they attend. These interactions amplify the chapters reach, reinforce community presence, and confirm that its communication strategy is on the right path.

Community Service and Public Outreach: South Texas Chapter The South Texas Chapter members are passionate about serving the community and providing opportunities for local students to learn about the water industry. It partners with local organizations and schools to organize several public outreach and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) events and Career Fair Days throughout the year.

The education outreach events of 2025 included various activities to conduct water experiments, talk about what it’s like to be an engineer, and inspire the next generations of water industry professionals.

Chapter members: • helped judge the Alamo Regional Science Fair, • inspired local students to pursue careers in STEM at the Colonies North Elementary School STEAM Night by conducting a wastewater treatment plant demonstration, • discussed AWWA opportunities with Texas State University students, • participated in the Walk 4 More Water for Africa Event. Each participant carried 3 gallons of water while walking nearly 2 miles to symbolize the challenges of gathering water experienced by women and children in other countries • partnered with the WEAT Section to hold an Imagine a Day Without Water Art Contest. The winning entries were compiled into a calendar that was sold to raise funds for Water for People.

• partnered with San Antonio Water System to facilitate a scholarship to students who completed the SAWS Academy of Water Influencer Program and Projects related to various Water Industry Topics.

| 34 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

Educational Offerings: Southeast Texas Chapter The Southeast Texas Chapter takes pride in offering frequent events and activities in a variety of formats so members can participate. In 2025, over 1,100 people attended 16 educational opportunities. Some of the events included: • Volunteers participated in the Houston ISD Seniors To Success event and the Pearland ISD career day opportunities at several area utilities; • The Student Social, coordinated with ASCE and NSBE, was an opportunity to connect students with professionals in the local water industry; • The Young Professionals Seminar featured three presentations by local YPs showcasing their projects and work experience and a panel discussion with three people in leadership roles, at different points in their career.

• The three-day One Water Summit, held in coordination with Corpus Christi Water, WEAT, and the Coastal Bend Chapter.

• The annual Half-day Seminar held in collaboration with the WEAT Southeast Section. It featured presentations and panel discussions covering topics such as desalination efforts in Corpus Christi, water resources plan in Sugar Land, rehabilitation and expansion of City of Pearland wastewater treatment plants, One Water initiatives in El Paso, and general updates from Houston Public works, among much more.

• A tour of a REXA Inc facility in Tomball. REXA produces a high-performance actuator.

Fundraising: South Texas Chapter The South Texas Chapter partners with the local WEAT Hill Country Section for many of its events and fundraisers. Combining the events enables the chapter to reduce costs by splitting the expenses, but it also splits the net proceeds. Splitting the proceeds allows both organizations to benefit the local communities and support the missions of both WEAT and TAWWA. Over the last year members of the South Texas Chapter raised funds for Water For People, the San Antonio Water System Uplift, local, state and Academy of Water Influencers TAWWA Educational Scholarships, More Water 4 Africa, and young professionals events.

The events raised $177,325 for these noble missions

www.tawwa.org

| chapter awards |

on behalf of the South Texas TAWWA Chapter and the WEAT Hill Country Section. Some of the fundraising events were: • Bingo for Bags, which includes a three-course dinner, multiple raffle prizes, and 20 rounds of bingo with a chance to win designer handbags.

After expenses, the event raised over $29,000.

• WFP Golf Tournament was held at the Canyon Springs Golf Club. This large event was sold out and after expenses raised over $70,000.

• The South Texas Chapter and Hill Country Section alternate hosting the monthly meetings from January through October. After expenses the 2025 TAWWA led monthly meeting proceeds totaled $780.

• TAWWA/WEAT Summer Seminar had over 60 professionals. After expenses the 2025 TAWWA proceeds totaled $3,039 each.

• The TAWWA/WEAT Scholarship Dinner proceeds totaled $48,240, with each group receiving $24,120.

Membership Recruitment and Retention: Desert Mountain Chapter In 2025, the Desert Mountain Chapter strengthened its commitment to member recruitment and retention through intentional, high-value programming designed to recognize existing members while attracting new participants into the organization.

The first DMC Member Appreciation Night at Top Golf was launched to recognize the contributions and ongoing support of chapter members while creating a relaxed space for networking and celebration. As the first event of its kind, it drew 159 registered attendees.

To further promote membership interest among students and young professionals, the YP Committee hosted YP Karaoke Night, an approachable networking event designed to reduce barriers to participation and encourage relationship-building.

In addition to in-person outreach, the chapter prioritized retention through a targeted Membership Renewal Email Campaign aimed at re-engaging members with recently expired memberships.

CONTINUED PAGE 36 | chapter awards

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 35 |

| chapter awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 | chapter awards Mentorship: North Central Texas Chapter The North Central Texas Chapter’s Executive Committee has been intentional with mentorship of YP Leadership with parallel roles held at the Executive Committee level. The new YP communication co-chairs have been involved with announcements at chapter events and engagement with newsletter development, the YP co-chairs and secretary have been engaged in Executive Committee meetings, and intentional progression into the Executive Committee Board from the YP leadership has taken place over the past year.

Improvements to the workflow and cross training of the virtual arrangements and communications chair roles has allowed the chapter to incorporate interactive components to meetings and help create opportunities for mentorship across roles.

In November 2025, the chapter also hosted its third Women of Water event with over 100 attendees. The event featured three panelists: Stephanie Bache, vice president at Black & Veatch; Aliza Caraballo, Water and

solid waste engineer manager at North Texas Municipal Water District; and Sarah Standifer, director of Dallas Water Utilities. It was moderated by Tony Mbroh and Marianna Anguiano, president of NCT AWWA. Questions and discussions centralized around four overall themes: career path, challenges/obstacles, becoming a leader/leadership and becoming a mentor/ mentorship.

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| watermark awards |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 | watermark awards CATEGORY III Digital Content: websites, social media, infographics, logos, etc.

Large Utility » Austin Water: Austin Water Social Media Small Utility » City of Round Rock Public Works: City of Round Rock’s Water Conservation Newsletter River Authorities or Water Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: Capital Improvement Projects Quarterly Newsletter Honorable Mention » Corpus Christi Water: CCW Employee Spotlight Social Media Campaign CATEGORY IV Community Outreach and Education Programs: events, curriculums, programs Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: Pipa’s Big Adventure - From Sewer Rescue to Storytime Heroine Small Utility » City of Sugar Land: Rainy’s Journey: Turning Water Science into Community Storytelling River Authorities or Water Districts » Trinity River Authority of Texas: TRA Alligator Snapping Turtle Education

CATEGORY V OpEds and Features: guest editorials or columns, feature stories or series River Authorities or Water Districts » Tarrant Regional Water District: TRWD Mentors, Cristo Rey Students Build Bonds for Life CATEGORY VI Multimedia: video and photography Large Utility » San Antonio Water System: SAWS Heritage Series River Authorities or Water Districts » North Texas Municipal Water District: NTMWD Imagine A Day Without Water Honorable Mention » Arlington Water Utilities: 2025 Employee Spotlights You can read more about each winner in the Awards Program: https://tinyurl.com/tw26awards

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 39 |

| new members |

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining March 1, 2026 – May 15, 2026 Ayodeji Adeyemi Cypress, TX

Barbara Baker Texarkana, TX

Jephthah Cajou Houston, TX

James Cowger Corpus Christi, TX

Karina Elizabeth Esquivel Dallas, TX

Christian Fritz Grapevine, TX

Faith Allison Sugar Land, TX

Seema Bardhipur Prosper, TX

David Canady West, TX

Tabatha Davis Waxahachie, TX

Lorenzo Esquivel Webster, TX

Star Gilani Houston, TX

Christian Annexy North Kansas City, MO

Antuione Bargains Wylie, TX

Kaylin Cannon Round Rock, TX

Andrea Del Valle Houston, TX

Chris Eubanks Waco, TX

April Gimler Corpus Christi, TX

Austin Anthony Katy, TX

Joseph Barnes El Paso, TX

Cathryn Carey San Antonio, TX

Kalvin Dobbs Eastland, TX

Mick Fegan The Woodlands, TX

Greg Gould Dallas, TX

Quinton Arce San Antonio, TX

Andres Berdugo Tomball, TX

Jason Carlisle Spring, TX

Robert Doughty Northlake, TX

Brian Fiske Dallas, TX

Kelli Greenwood Arlington, TX

Kyleigh Ardoin New Orleans, LA

April Bingham Houston, TX

James Carrigan San Felipe, TX

Jack Dovenbarger Rockwall, TX

Victor Florez Weatherford, TX

Cole Grinnell Houston, TX

Rylan Ardoin The Woodlands, TX

Mel Blaine San Felipe, TX

Omar Cereceres Fort Worth, TX

Slater Duea Roanoke, TX

Ingridy Foltran Corpus Christi, TX

Crystal Guevara Houston, TX

Dylan Arizola Corpus Christi, TX

Luke Boren Temple, TX

Emlea Chanslor Austin, TX

Sarah Duffy Sealy, TX

Bryan Fongu Baytown, TX

Hugo Guillen Phoenix, AZ

Eva Arnaiz Garcia Katy, TX

William Boyce Corpus Christi, TX

Lia Chowdhury Houston, TX

Daniana Dye Irving, TX

Cassidy Ford New Braunfels, TX

Darsi Gutierrez Jbsa Ft Sam Houston, TX

Jaime Arriola El Paso, TX

David Brink Round Rock, TX

Cruz Clark Corpus Christi, TX

Marc Edwards San Felipe, TX

Joshua Forester Princeton, TX

Ken Hanks Austin, TX

Salma Paola Baca El Paso, TX

Marcia Brooks Round Rock, TX

Cody Cliatt Argyle, TX

Alain Elegbe Round Rock, TX

Domonic Franchino Lubbock, TX

Alison Hanson Dallas, TX

| 40 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

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| new members | Michael Harabis Corpus Christi, TX

Isaiah Lasche Richardson, TX

Crystal Orozco El Paso, TX

Jose Sifuentes Rio Hondo, TX

Zachary Urbanski Mansfield, TX

Jerzy Wielgus Houston, TX

Alexandra Harmon Driscoll, TX

Jeffrey LeBlanc Houston, TX

Francisco Orta San Antonio, TX

David Smyth Vidor, TX

Enrique Valdez San Antonio, TX

David Williams Cleburne, TX

Jeff Hay Houston, TX

Fina Leger Sugar Land, TX

Jason Palmer Fort Worth, TX

Stacey Spangler Reno, TX

Leonel Vargas Baytown, TX

Ted Woolsey Houston, TX

Henkel Elk Grove Village, IL

Yansong Liang Austin, TX

Phillip Parker Cleburne, TX

William Stafford Houston, TX

Diego Vazquez El Paso, TX

Felipe Hernandez Van Vleck, TX

Hannah Looney Bedford, TX

Rhonda Paul Cedar Hill, TX

Aimee Sullivan Mansfield, TX

Raul Herrejon Sierra Corpus Christi, TX

David Lozano Houston, TX

Joseph Pena Corpus Christi, TX

Shannon Talley Abilene, TX

Alejandro Vazquez Raposo The Woodlands, TX

Thomas Hodge San Marcos, TX

Rachel Macias Wylie, TX

Elisa Perez Soto Dallas, TX

Ray Thomas Wills Point, TX

Morgan Howard Houston, TX

Alex Makled Austin, TX

Parker Peterson Boerne, TX

Mallorie Tijerina Corpus Christi, TX

Sean Howard Justin, TX

Mauricio Mancera Waxahachie, TX

Johnathan Polak Chicago, IL

Rick Trefzer San Antonio, TX

Ally Hyre Cedar Park, TX

Martin Mangum Somerville, TX

Justin Pollack Austin, TX

John Trevino Bellaire, TX

IESG Solutions, Inc. Humble, TX

Mark Mannering Plano, TX

Veronica Porcayo Rock Island, IL

Steven Trevino Corpus Christi, TX

Megan Ingram Austin, TX

Scott Manuel Leander, TX

Victor Portillo San Antonio, TX

Brandon Tunnell Sunnyvale, TX

Sarah Isbell Cleveland, TX

Patrick McGinn Corpus Christi, TX

Braden Purcell Corpus Christi, TX

Xerxes Tupag Rock Island, IL

Eric Jaquez El Paso, TX

Sebastian Mena Dallas, TX

Robert Quininez Corpus Christi, TX

Gaurang Jariwala League City, TX

Daimen Mendoza Corpus Christi, TX

Bryan Raisor San Jose, CA

Noah Jimenez El Paso, TX

Diana Mendoza San Juan, TX

Monica Ramirez Corpus Christi, TX

Nathan Johnson Prosper, TX

Nazish Mohammad Austin, TX

Javier Ramirez Jr Roma, TX

Jack Jones Cedar Park, TX

Jake Molina Corpus Christi, TX

Alexandria Rankin New Braunfels, TX

Jennifer Jorge Katy, TX

Rodney Moreno Round Rock, TX

Kent Riker Weatherford, TX

Nicole Kappaz Houston, TX

Conor Mullis Richardson, TX

Chad Riley Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

Bishal Karki San Marcos, TX

Lucino Murillo Gonzalez Corpus Christi, TX

Sam Robinson San Felipe, TX

Tommy Kay West Columbia, TX

Cory Murphy Little Elm, TX

Jose Rodriguez Alcorta Corpus Christi, TX

Darin Keever Austin, TX

Sulieman Naser San Antonio, TX

Minerva Saldivar Corpus Christi, TX

Chris Keffer Eastland, TX

Erin Newberry San Antonio, TX

Jerry Salinas Corpus Christi, TX

Kyle Kolkhorst San Felipe, TX

Jenifer Nino Rock Island, IL

Mike Saunders Houston, TX

Michael Lafferty Cedar Park, TX

Alexis Nix Austin, TX

Zachary Schwarzlose Fair Oaks Ranch, TX

Anisha Lal Austin, TX

Doug Norton Houston, TX

Evan Scofield Austin, TX

Merrett Lane Dallas, TX

Vincente Ordaz Corpus Christi, TX

John Shumbera Edna, TX

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Priscilla Vega El Paso, TX Jesus Velasquez Lytle, TX Mark Velasquez Houston, TX Rafael Velazquez El Paso, TX Xochtyl Villarreal Corinth, TX William Vines Houston, TX Naomi Walker Sugar Land, TX Christopher Wallace Baytown, TX

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TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 41 |

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| 42 | POST CONFERENCE 2026 TEXASh2o

www.tawwa.org

| calendar |

What’s Happening Across Texas DATE

ACTIVITY

AUG 13

Southeast Chapter Annual Dinner

AUG 14

17th Annual TAWWA/ WEAT Summer Seminar

TIME

8:30 am - 4 pm

AUG 24-26 AWSS Conference AUG 28

18th Annual Hill Country Classic

OCT 5-6

TAWWA/WEAT YP Summit

LOCATION

INFORMATION

Petroleum Club of Houston Houston, TX

www.tawwa.org

San Antonio Water System San Antonio, TX

www.tawwa.org

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Lubbock, TX

www.tawwa.org

Canyon Springs Golf Course San Antonio, TX

www.tawwa.org

Austin Permitting & Development Center | Austin, Texas

www.tawwa.org

Want to share your event with the Texas water community?

Contact Daniel Nix, 512-238-9292, or DanielNix.WF@gmail.com.

Check the Section’s website, www.tawwa.org, for the latest information on Section activities.

Stop Leaking Potential Revenue with Aging Systems Water and Wastewater Solutions with Zero Upfront Capital City Saves Over $1.1 Million Annually Scan here to learn more

www.tawwa.org

TEXASh2o POST CONFERENCE 2026 | 43 |

TEXASh2o

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

THE MOST COMPLETE VALVE LINEUP

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OFFERING VALVES FROM 2” TO 120” With over 25 years of experience, J&S Valve offers high-quality, industry-tested valves from 2” to 120”, with fast delivery up to 60” to keep your systems running.

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