Issuu

TEXASh2o

National expertise, local experience

Garver has a long history serving as a trusted advisor to utilities and municipalities across Texas. So does Ryan Opgenorth. With 15 years leading infrastructure projects in the state and a deep understanding of the water challenges facing the region, he’s committed to delivering practical, efficient design solutions to Texas communities.

Ryan Opgenorth, PE

Texas Water Infrastructure Leader

Julie Hunt Hunt Strategies

TAWWA Past Chair

Karen Menard Trinity River Authority

AWWA Director-Elect

Christianne Castleberry Castleberry Engineering &

| letter from the texas section chair |

Texas Section

American Water Works Association

P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org

Marisa Vergara, Chair 210-798-2314

Mary Gugliuzza, Chair-Elect 817-392-8253

Julie Hunt, Vice-Chair 817-228-2947

Karen Menard, Imm. Past Chair 817-493-5195

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

FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND X!

Texas AWWA @txawwa

Texas AWWA is Supporting Tomorrow’s Workforce Needs

BY MARISA VERGARA texas section chair

Our Texas heat has started early and as we look ahead to summer, there’s a lot to be energized about—starting with the AWWA ACE Conference, where we join industry professionals from across the country to exchange ideas, elevate solutions, and reaffirm our shared commitment to safe, sustainable water. This season is a great time to reflect on how we support both our systems—and the people who keep them running. In addition, we recently held a Leadership Summit and Orientation for our Chapter Leaders and new Board members from around the state. Our members are truly engaged and making an impact in our local communities.

210-798-2314

marisa.vergara@stvinc.com

At Texas AWWA, we remain committed to promoting our industry and advancing our workforce. Workforce development continues to be a top priority. From operators and engineers to students and seasoned professionals, our ability to deliver safe, reliable water depends on attracting and supporting the next generation of water leaders. This year we are proud to spotlight several key initiatives: the growing SETH program, which introduces high school students to careers in water; the Workforce Development Committee, which is aligning local and national strategies; and our scholarship program, which supports the educational goals of our members and their families.

These efforts align closely with our section’s mission and guiding principles—supporting education, building future capacity, and ensuring that Texas communities continue to benefit from a strong, skilled water workforce.

The SETH Program: Building a Pipeline of Future Operators

One of our most impactful initiatives is the SETH Program (Sustainable Education and Training in H2O), a free and flexible water operator training course designed for Texas high school students. Developed in collaboration with the Texas Department of Agriculture and approved by the TCEQ, SETH prepares students to enter the water workforce right in their own communities.

MARISA VERGARA

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Hard Habit to Break

BY DANIEL NIX

tawwa executive director

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

- George Benard Shaw

One of the first things that I encountered when taking over the role as TAWWA Executive Director was an AWWA directive that all Section logos were going to change and that the Sections had three years to make the transition to their newly approved logos. I have to admit, this did not make me happy. I had known the same TAWWA logo for the majority of my tenure as a TAWWA member, proudly wearing the caps and other clothing that displayed the outline of Texas containing an AWWA logo. It very succinctly said, "Texas AWWA."

During AWWA meetings, I constantly made my opinions known, all for naught. The decision had been made at the Association level and there was nothing that I could do about it. So, I had a decision to make. Was I going to continue to tilt at the windmill or was I going to embrace the change and make progress?

task). It’s not just the Section that has to make the change, but the Chapters, too. Therefore, I have sent the new logos to all of the Chapters and given them the same three years to eliminate all of their existing old logo swag and create fresh inventories of swag with the new logo.

Starting at Texas Water 2025, the new TAWWA logo rolled out. It could be seen in our Board packets, on Committee/Division Volunteer signs throughout the George R Brown Convention Center and on new swag that was being developed. Moving out of Texas Water, the push to transition to the new logo has stepped up. We will be transitioning our social media platforms to the new logo, all new swag has been rebranded, the TAWWA conference booth backdrop has changed and we have started the process of making changes to the website and emails (which is no small

Another part of the logo change has been the adoption of a new color palette that will put all AWWA and Section marketing materials in compliance with ADA requirements for individuals that are color blind. The colors that are available and their shades continue to provide us with a rich set of colors to use in our print and electronic materials across all of our out-facing platforms. This was a good change and will help us with a select group of people that we had previously underserved with our messaging. These two small changes are a sign of things to come. Change is inevitable, if you want to make progress. TAWWA Board members just wrapped up a Board Meeting at Texas Water and a follow-up Leadership Orientation/Summit for Region and Chapter Leadership. Many new ideas, and yes changes, were discussed.

I continue to be impressed and encouraged by

CONTINUED PAGE 28 | executive director report

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An Overview to Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)

and Optimal Corrosion Control

Treatment

AUTHORS: KEVAL SATRA, PE, MAHITH NADELLA, PE, RAJEEV KAMALAMPET, PE & VARENYA MEHTA, PE texas awwa

water

quality & treatment division

Historically, lead and copper or their alloys were predominantly used in drinking water service lines and indoor plumbing across the US. These pipes and fixtures degrade over time through scaling or leaching, depending on the quality of water. Corrosive water could dissolve the metals in pipe material or scales, releasing them into the water. Ingesting lead and copper can cause severe health problems like damaging the brain, kidneys, liver, reproductive and nervous systems. To regulate the lead and copper levels in drinking water and protect public health, primarily by reducing water corrosivity,

the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) published the original Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in 1991. This article will provide an overview on the recent updates to the LCR, regulations in the State of Texas, and ways Public Water Systems (PWS) can utilize Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment (OCCT) to comply with the LCR requirements.

In the LCR, USEPA set the maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs) of 0 mg/L and 1.3 mg/L for lead and copper respectively and action levels of 0.015 mg/L

CONTINUED PAGE 22 | tawwa wqt division series

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Second Annual RGV TAWWA & WEAT Water Summit

Reviving the Past, Shaping the Future: Water Professionals Gather at a Historic Pump House for the Summit

BY JESSICA PAZ

texas awwa rio grande chapter education chair

A Venue Like No Other

Forget stuffy conference rooms, the summit took place throughout University Drafthouse Town Lake, a space that once powered McAllen's first water treatment operations. Originally part of Water Treatment Plant #1, the venue was once home to massive pumps, engines, and a pipe gallery dating back to 1926. Today, the space seamlessly blends history with hospitality

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ENGINEERING POSSIBILITIES.

Texas AWWA Scholarships are Open — Apply Today!

The 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 all is July 31, 2025 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.

For more information and to apply, visit www.tawwa.org/page/scholarships.

Please contact scholarship@tawwa.org with any questions.

On the webpage, you can find links to also 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.

Partnership Programs Announce 2025 Awardees

The Partnership for Safe Water (PSW) and Partnership for Clean Water (PCW) recently announced the program’s 2025 awardees and several Texas organizations were recognized.

Austin Water

Albert R. Davis Water Treatment Plant Treatment: 25-Year Directors Award

El Paso Water

Jonathan W. Rogers Water Treatment Plant Treatment: 20-Year Directors Award

Robertson/Umbenhauer (Canal) Water Treatment Plant Treatment: 20-Year Directors Award

City of Houston East Water Purification Plant 1 Treatment: 25-Year Directors Award

Southeast Water Purification Plant Treatment: 20-Year Directors Award

Dallas Water Utilities Bachman Water Treatment Plant Treatment: 25-Year Directors Award

East Side Water Treatment Plant Treatment: 25-Year Directors Award

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WATER

How the Transformative Water Leadership Academy Prepares Utility Professionals for Future Water Challenges

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

The Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA) is a collaborative program of AWWA and the WaterNow Alliance. TWLA intentionally brings a diverse selection of water leaders together to explore issues of public health protection, environmental stewardship, the future of the water workforce, community engagement and public trust. The program encourages innovative, solutions-oriented thinking. Participants develop a capstone project to support their community and utility, while also building their network of water sector changemakers. Not only does the program impact local utilities and institutions, but it also empowers the next generation of water leaders to be better equipped to face the challenges impacting

the future of the sector. TWLA instills confidence in its future water leaders, expands professional networks, and encourages action.

The challenges facing the sector prove a need for outside-the-box thinkers. It can be difficult to find a voice to express new ideas, and it can be lonely to be the sole innovator in a sea of this is how things have always been done. TWLA provides water professionals with the confidence to be the catalysts for change at their utility.

Jenyffer Vasquez, a graduate from the 2024 cohort, shared how her participation in TWLA expanded her

CONTINUED PAGE 29 | twla

as a restaurant and venue serving craft beer and gourmet-style food. Remnants of the past can be found at every corner. Throughout the venue you can find a bar mounted on original water valves, a cast-iron pipe stretching the length of the room, old machinery, the original stairway and many other historic aspects of the plant. Curtain finishes, modern technology and billiards enhance the event rooms that honor the past with names such as the "Oxygen Hut" and "Engine Room".

On the walls, you'll find photos of the original space that produced half a million

gallons of water per day for McAllen residents. If that's not enough to capture your eye, upstairs, a large, covered patio oversees the 3-acre lake and Hike and Bike Trail at Firemen's Park.

A Hub for Education and Industry Connections

After a Meet-and-Eat breakfast in the Exhibitor Hall downstairs, attendees geared up for a full day of learning. The five sessions were scattered throughout

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the venue. The schedule covered topics including new TCEQ regulations, cybersecurity, the Rio Grande's unique water source, GIS, conservation, and reuse. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the Exhibitor Hall, where sponsors set up booths with interactive displays, showcasing the latest advancements in water technology and management. A mini–Water Geek exhibit area highlighted water

education and conservation resources from TAWWA, WEAT, and the Texas Water Development Board. The event also had the honor of welcoming water royalty of Texas — Karen Menard, Past Chair of TAWWA and Dylan Christenson, Past President of WEAT. Their leadership and insights reinforced the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of the industry.

Making History… Again

Beyond the engaging sessions and networking, this year's summit was about giving back to the future of the profession. The summit was created to start a scholarship

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fund and, for the first time in the chapter's history and with everyone's support, enough funds were made to provide local scholarships to students pursuing careers in water and wastewater! This milestone highlights the dedication of our community in fostering the next generation of industry leaders.

Ending on a High Note

After a day of learning, networking, and professional growth, attendees enjoyed a well-deserved evening of celebration with the RGV Chapter for the American Society of Civil Engineers to honor Engineering Week. Drinks were poured, hors d'oeuvres were enjoyed, and trivia questions tested everyone's knowledge on water. The "No Water, No Beer" trivia night was the perfect way to blend fun with education, leaving attendees with a greater appreciation for the industry they serve and a few fun facts about water.

Decades ago, water treatment plant operators roamed these grounds ensuring clean water for the

city. This year, the next generation of water leaders walked these grounds once more, this time to expand their knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen the industry.

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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for lead and 1.3 mg/L for copper. The USEPA defines "MCLG" as the maximum level of a contaminant in drinking water at which no known or anticipated adverse effect to human health would occur, allowing an adequate margin of safety. USEPA defines "Action Level" as the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment actions or other requirements which a PWS must follow. With increasing health concerns, USPEA released the Lead and Copper Revisions (LCRR) in 2021, with a compliance date of October 16, 2024. Later, in November 2023, USEPA announced a new rule, the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), that supplements and supersedes the LCRR. The LCRI has a compliance date of November 1, 2027, and aims to completely prevent lead and copper concerns in drinking water by replacing all lead service lines over the course of 10 years, implementing robust sampling and monitoring requirements, and establishing OCCT by achieving optimal water quality parameters (OWQP). LCRI lowered the lead action level to 0.01 mg/L. When the public water system’s 90th percentile lead and copper sampling results exceed the trigger level, the system is required to notify the public, install or adjust the corrosion control treatment, and conduct public education programs.

As established previously, corrosion is the prominent cause of lead and copper release into drinking water. To monitor and address the water corrosivity concerns and to comply with the LCRI, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires PWS to analyze five corrosion indices — Langelier Saturation Index (LSI or LI), Ryznar Index (RI), Aggressiveness Index (AI), Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Potential (CCPP), and Chloride/Sulfide Mass Ratio (CSMR). These corrosion indices and recommended approach for OCCT are typically determined by considering water quality parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity,

Figure 1: Examples of Corrosion (left) and Scaling (right) in Pipes

calcium, chlorides, sulfates, iron, and magnesium. Although each index signifies a separate aspect of the water quality, TCEQ developed a grading criteria using these indices to determine the corrosivity of a water sample. All five indices are calculated using the water quality parameters with assumed temperatures of 10 C and 25 C. The corrosivity of the water sample is determined based on the individual grades of these indices — Non-Corrosive (NC), Slightly Corrosive (SC), and Corrosive (C). TCEQ guidelines to determine water corrosivity are included in Table 1.

Table 1: TCEQ Corrosivity Criteria Table

Table notes:

• TALK – Total Alkalinity

• 3 C’s or more = Corrosive

• 3 SCs under 25 °C = Slightly Corrosive

• 4 - C's and SC's Total = Slightly Corrosive

• Otherwise, the water is considered non-corrosive

| tawwa wqt division series |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 |

Corrosivity grade alone does not determine the OCCT. Water quality, corrosivity grade, and sampling plan together impact the OCCT strategy. If a PWS exceeds the action levels of lead and copper, they shall implement a Corrosion Control Study (CCST) and submit a corrosion control treatment recommendation to TCEQ within 6 months of the exceeded monitoring period. PWS shall also perform quarterly sampling to monitor water quality parameters (WQP) during two follow-up 6-month sampling periods. Based on the WQP, PWS shall use TCEQ’s OCCT recommendations to determine the appropriate treatment method. Upon implementing OCCT to achieve OWQP, if the lead and copper concentrations fall below their action levels, the PWS could revert back to reduced monitoring. Among several OCCT strategies available to PWSs, pH/alkalinity adjustment, addition of phosphate-based, and silicatebased inhibitors are most used and recommended by USEPA and TCEQ.

pH/Alkalinity Adjustment

Adjusting pH or alkalinity of the water to achieve OWQP is a common cost effective OCCT strategy. A PWS can adjust pH and/or alkalinity to reduce the corrosivity of water, shifting corrosion indices from corrosive (C) to slightly corrosive (SC) or non-corrosive (NC) grades.

Raising pH and alkalinity can be achieved by addition of commonly used chemicals such as: Sodium hydroxide, Sodium carbonate, Sodium bicarbonate, Calcium hydroxide, Potassium hydroxide, and Potassium carbonate.

Adding Sodium hydroxide (aka caustic soda) helps with raising the pH but it is difficult to control pH when applied to poorly buffered water and requires careful handling and storage due to its hazardous nature and higher freezing point. Sodium carbonate (aka soda ash) is used for increasing alkalinity with moderate increase in pH. Sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) is an expensive chemical but allows for a good alkalinity adjustment. Addition of baking soda increases alkalinity with moderate increase in pH. Using Calcium

tawwa wqt division series

hydroxide (aka hydrated lime) raises pH and increases alkalinity, but operation and maintenance can be intensive as the slurry feed can cause turbidity.

Potassium hydroxide (aka Caustic Potash) is helpful for raising pH and has the advantage of storing at high concentrations due to its low freezing point but is hazardous in nature requiring safe handling and containment areas. Lastly, Potassium carbonate (aka Potash) helps with increase in alkalinity with moderate increase in pH; it is more expensive than soda ash but is generally easier to handle.

Adding these chemicals to adjust pH and alkalinity would also promote formation of protective mineral scales on pipe walls, which aids in preventing leaching of harmful pipe materials, but utilities should avoid over-dosing, which can lead to scaling issues in water pipes.

Phosphate-based Inhibitors

Orthophosphate-containing chemicals, when added to water, react with metals to form relatively insoluble phosphate metal complexes that ultimately create an anodic protective layer on the inside of the pipe

surfaces. These chemicals (aka inhibitors) are used to protect distribution pipes and household plumbing by preventing lead and copper from leaching into water.

Polyphosphate-containing chemicals act as sequestering agent and bind to ions in water, such as calcium, iron, and manganese. This sequestration is helpful for reducing calcium scaling, sequestering iron/manganese, and addressing water staining and discoloration issues. Polyphosphates do not contribute to the corrosion control benefit provided by orthophosphates.

Some PWSs also use a blend of orthophosphate and polyphosphate. Even when using a blend, only orthophosphate helps with corrosion control, while polyphosphate is helpful in reducing calcium scaling, sequestering iron/manganese, and improving water staining and discoloration. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that a blended phosphate product used for corrosion control has an adequate orthophosphate concentration and dose for OCCT. Optimal phosphate dosage rates and resulting water quality are highly

CONTINUED PAGE 26 | tawwa wqt division series

| tawwa wqt division series |

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 |

dependent on treatment goals, water temperature, Iron/Manganese forms and concentrations, Calcium and Magnesium Hardness, pH, alkalinity, water age, and saturation indices.

Phosphate is a limiting nutrient and for PWSs that utilize chloramines for secondary disinfection, there is an increased risk of biological activity with possibility of nitrification in distribution system which have negative impact on water quality and public health. Additionally, phosphate additions to the drinking water treatment process will result in phosphate-loading to the sanitary sewer system. This phosphate-loading may require modifications to the wastewater treatment process to comply with the plant's total phosphorus permit limits.

Silicate-based Inhibitors

For PWSs concerned about phosphorus addition, silicate-based inhibitors may be a good alternative. Silicate inhibitors are formed by mixing soda ash and silicon dioxide, which ultimately forms a metal silicate compound. These compounds may be used in water systems that want to avoid the potential negative water and wastewater consequences related to phosphatebased treatment. Two mechanisms have been proposed as possible ways silicate inhibitors control lead and corrosion. Some believe they provide corrosion control by increasing the pH of the water,

Figure 2: Typical Orthophosphate Dosing System

tawwa wqt division series

while others believe they form a protective film in the presence of other corrosion products. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the treatment mechanism and the fact that silicate treatment requires higher doses compared to phosphate-based treatment—making it more expensive—this method is not widely adopted by many Texas utilities.

Summary

With the LCRI in effect, PWSs are required to proactively evaluate and monitor their water quality and corrosion indices. PWS may need one or more OCCTs to achieve OWQP to meet LCRI. PWSs can refer to the comprehensive guidelines provided in the EPA’s "Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment Evaluation Technical Recommendations for Primacy Agencies and Public Water Systems" and TCEQ’s "Lead and Copper Optimal Corrosion Control Treatment Recommendation". In addition to the water quality characteristics and treatment goals, PWS must consider the potential for scaling, life cycle costs, operator preference, and site-specific considerations in determining their OCCT strategy.

2nd Annual Agricultural Water Sustainability Summit

October 14-15, 2025

Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Lubbock, Texas

Exhibitor registration now open!

Attendee registration will open soon

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report

the passion exhibited in these meetings and the creativeness of our members/volunteers. TAWWA is growing and so too should the ideas and initiatives that come out of that growth. I know that the past will be a hard habit to break, but I also know that everyone will be part of the upcoming changes that will see Texas AWWA continue to lead the water industry with ground-breaking ideas and initiatives that will make possible a lasting progress.

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confidence in advocating for change and sharing newfound perspectives:

Before TWLA, I rarely had the confidence to lead or speak up about issues important to me. TWLA provided an opportunity to be exposed to open dialogue and conversations with other water professionals that enriched my perspective. It was so rewarding to hear stories and challenges that were similar to mine in a room of water sector leaders across the nation. Through the program, I learned how important it is to not only to be in the room, but also to raise your hand and bring others in! Since graduating, I’ve been promoted [and] see the endless possibilities in getting involved and the impact that I can make in my role. I am no longer shy to share new ideas on enhancing water use efficiency programs but also workforce development strategies. I have led our team in a newly established workforce development task force, working on enhancing opportunities to highlight the water industry and continue

partnerships with local colleges. This program helped completely shift my perspective on leading and illustrated that we all have the power to grow into these roles!

By surrounding herself with diverse leaders of shared experiences, Jenyffer was able to feel more comfortable stepping into a leadership role, knowing she was supported by those around her. Each cohort consists of individuals from diverse regions all over the country, representing both large to very small systems, embodying the communities they serve. The TWLA provides a platform for participants to discuss big issues with their peers, and to bring their own unique, lived experiences into the conversation. These differing perspectives expose the cohort to new ideas to implement in their own community and enhance their capacity to listen to others to lead more effectively. A motivator for establishing the Transformative Water Leadership Academy in 2022 was to sustain the water workforce and equip the next generation of water workers with leadership skills to advance their

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career within the sector. It can be difficult to be surefooted in the next career step, and TWLA provides the tools and resources for participants to explore their career ambitions while in the program. With a mentoring program and a network of experienced professionals, TWLA graduates are brought into a supportive culture that supports their career goals.

Jori Nelson, a graduate from the 2024 cohort, reflected on her career shift during her participation in the TWLA.

Prior to joining TWLA, I found myself frequently being one of the youngest people in the room, feeling like an imposter at times, but also striving to figure out my way to the next level of my career. The most valuable part of TWLA for me was gaining connections with other water industry professionals who were in similar situations in their careers. Since completing the TWLA, I have moved into a consulting position and continue to work with water utilities on a daily basis. I have moved to a different region of the country (Washington State) where

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I did not know anyone professionally and felt like I was starting over. ...through TWLA, I realized a big part of my adjustment was going to be relying on my network that existed across the country.

For Jori, taking a career leap, and moving across the country, was empowering because of her ability to rely on the network she built within TWLA.

As the water sector continues to evolve in response to pressing challenges — climate, workforce transitions, and the growing need for more collaboration — the TWLA is vital to the future of the water workforce. Each new cohort strengthens the culture of the TWLA, by empowering a network of leaders equipped with tools, confidence and connections to drive change. As the program continues to grow, it will only further its impact on leaders, local utilities and communities, to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the water industry.

For more information and to apply for the academy, visit https://www.awwa.org/transformative-waterleadership-academy. The application is open through July 15.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 | partnership programs

The Partnership Programs awards celebrate the dedication and commitment of drinking water and wastewater utilities to their communities.

Each utility has met rigorous standards and exemplifies the highest level of service in the water community. These awards not only honor their achievements but also inspire others to strive for excellence in water quality and safety.

You can find out more about the program and view all winners at https://www.awwa.org/programs/ partnership-for-safe-water/award-winners/.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair

The program includes 22 hours of instruction that teachers can integrate into the classroom at their own pace, making it accessible to diverse schools and schedules. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to apply for the State of Texas Class D Provisional Water Operator License—opening the door to stable, meaningful careers in water utilities across Texas.

We’re proud to celebrate the growing success of SETH, and this second year we had 45 Texas high school students complete the program! These students represent a powerful step toward solving our industry’s long-term workforce needs. We look forward to continued growth of this program statewide.

Workforce Development Committee: Aligning Local and National Action

We also want to thank the many individuals who expressed interest in joining the Workforce Development Committee during this year’s Texas Water conference. Your passion for building a strong talent pipeline is essential to our progress. A meeting is being scheduled for the coming months, and we continue to welcome new volunteers.

The committee is currently reviewing AWWA’s Workforce Strategies Committee Strategic Plan (2025–2030) to identify ways we can align Texas’s local workforce efforts with national priorities. In particular, we are exploring outreach opportunities to recent high school graduates and military veterans to promote careers in utility operations.

Special thanks to Rikki Anderson, PE, our Workforce committee chair, for leading this important initiative. If you would like to get involved in this critical work, please contact us—we’d love to have you join the effort.

TAWWA Scholarships: Investing in the Next Generation

Texas AWWA is proud to offer a robust state scholarship program, awarding approximately $40,000 annually to support students pursuing careers in the water industry and related fields. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our members, proceeds from the Water Conservation License Plate program and other dedicated funding sources.

The scholarship program is now open to Texas AWWA members, their family members, and student members committed to advancing their education. Awards typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 and can be applied toward tuition, certification, licensure, or other educational expenses.

We are pleased to announce that the 2025 scholarship application period is now open and accepting applications. Full program guidelines and application details can be found on our website. Whether you are pursuing an advanced degree in

environmental engineering or supporting your child’s college dreams, we encourage you to apply.

A Season of Service and Celebration

Summer may bring the heat—but it also brings opportunity. Whether you’re engaging through the SETH program, contributing to the Workforce Development Committee, or applying for a scholarship, your involvement is part of a larger movement to ensure a strong, resilient water sector in Texas.

Let’s continue working together to shape the future of water—one student, one operator, and one community at a time.

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining April 1,

2025–May 31, 2025

Sami Anjum Richmond, TX

Paige Bain Canyon Lake, TX

Scott Bardreau Pottsboro, TX

Jennifer Barr El Paso, TX

Jennifer Bassett Austin, TX

Brian Bearden Lubbock, TX

Leticia Bernabe Dallas, TX

Luz Boentges Selma, TX

Abel Borunda San Antonio, TX

Sterling Brannon Bulverde, TX

Cain Bryant Houston, TX

Todd Bushey Houston, TX

Glenn Caldwell Mabank, TX

Alexandra Carr Lewisville, TX

Christian Cartwright Houston, TX

Jody Cason Grand Prairie, TX

Kyle Cavender Bertram, TX

Clay Cearley Lenorah, TX

Chris Cervantes Houston, TX

Vraj Chauhan Houston, TX

Kristal Copp Fort Worth, TX

John Cordova El Paso, TX

Kadie Cox Stratford, TX

Dipti Anik Dhar San Antonio, TX

Grace DiSalvi North Richland Hills, TX

Paula Dubois New Braunfels, TX

Blanca Enriquez Dallas, TX

Ernesto Esparza El Paso, TX

Frank Etier McKinney, TX

Red Ewald Karnes City, TX

Geoff Fishel Mansfield, TX

Christian Fredriksen Anna, TX

Michael Gonzales Terrell, TX

Eddy Gonzalez San Antonio, TX

Sergio Gonzalez El Paso, TX

Gene Gradick Houston, TX

David Groom Eustace, TX

Esther Guedez Spring, TX

Mike Guidry La Porte, TX

Paul Hasler Austin, TX

Leah Hatcher Austin, TX

Warren Hector Houston, TX

Zachary Hickerson Dallas, TX

Luz Holguin El Paso, TX

Vanessa Hottman Fort Worth, TX

Brett Isbell Coppell, TX

Misty Jameson Fort Worth, TX

Maridel Jimenez Corpus Christi, TX

Rajeev Datta Kamalampet Houston, TX

Andrew Karr Plano, TX

Ali Kazemi Fort Worth, TX

Rich Kelley Houston, TX

Caroline Kempf Houston, TX

Nofil Khan Lubbock, TX

Lindsey Kubes Dallas, TX

Alicia Lee Dallas, TX

Carrie Locke Austin, TX

Aurora Lopez Corpus Christi, TX

Iker Lopez El Paso, TX

Lauren Lopez Corpus Christi, TX

Edwin Lucero El Paso, TX

Nicole Martinez Little Elm, TX

Rance Mayfield Midlothian, TX

Garrett Metting Buda, TX

David Miller Waco, TX

Marcia Munoz San Antonio, TX

Paul Murdoch Corpus Christi, TX

Audrey Nobles Temple, TX

Chastity O'Brien New Caney, TX

Gloria Ortiz Gamboa El Paso, TX

A P Athens, TX

Nicholas Pena Cedar Park, TX

Xaiver Pulido Celina, TX

Fred Quintero Houston, TX

Aaron Redder Denton, TX

Trevor Reeley Sugar Land, TX

Brett Reiman Bulverde, TX

Clay Riggs Dallas, TX

Adriana Rivera Camacho Corpus Christi, TX

Jeanette Rodriguez Castroville, TX

Julio Rodriguez El Paso, TX

Kate Rollins Denton, TX

Chris Serres Vidor, TX

Jeremy Stringer Liberty Hill, TX

Fran Stum Austin, TX

Ashley Tasher Houston, TX

David Taylor Kingsville, TX

Jessica Taylor Cedar Park, TX

Chris Temple Seguin, TX

Quentin Valdez Houston, TX

Joshua Venable Irving, TX

Jason Venier Katy, TX

Blanca Villanueva Corpus Christi, TX

Colin Wagner Dallas, TX

Ty Waltz San Antonio, TX

Sam Werner Wimberley, TX

Keith White Wylie, TX

Wesmond Williams Austin, TX

Daniel Wilson Austin, TX

Mavis Wong Houston, TX

Tiffany Yepma Temple, TX

Julian Zamarripa Fort Worth, TX

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

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