

TEXASh2o






Digital Skills and the Future of Civil and Water Engineering: Insights from a Young Professionals Survey
AUTHORS: ALENCE POUDEL1, CARLA BARRIOS1, VARENYA MEHTA2 AND SAMANATA SILWAL2
1 city of sugar land, 2 civitas engineering group, inc.
Texas water systems face growing pressure from rapid population growth, drought, and extreme weather. Meeting these challenges requires engineers who can turn data into decisions. Yet many civil and water professionals are still learning to navigate the digital tools reshaping the field.
A recent survey by the authors explored how engineers across Texas are adapting to the rise of coding, analytics, and automation. Responses expressed both enthusiasm and frustration. While many engineers recognize that digital fluency is


essential, they often lack structured training and institutional support. The findings highlight a workforce eager to modernize but constrained by the systems around them.
Key Findings
• A strong majority of respondents learned digital tools on their own rather than through formal education or employer programs.
• Excel and GIS remain the dominant tools, though Python and Power BI are gaining traction among younger professionals.


• Respondents agreed that digital skills are essential for recruiting and retaining new engineers.
• Many organizations remain unprepared for datadriven work due to procurement rules, limited training budgets, and rigid IT systems.
Background and Context
This survey gathered input from twenty professionals across consulting firms, local governments, academia, and student groups. While the small sample size limits statistical generalization, the clear themes that appeared across roles offer a valuable snapshot of digital readiness in the Texas water sector.
Texas presents a unique context for this conversation. The state’s utilities range from large urban systems in Houston and Dallas to small districts operating with minimal staff. Population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate variability have made efficiency and automation increasingly important. Digital transformation is not a trend; it is a necessity for resilience.
CONTINUED
| 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
The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2025 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.
© 2025 Texas Section – American Water Works Association, Inc.
FOLLOW TAWWA ON FACEBOOK AND X!


Texas AWWA @txawwa
Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Toward the Year Ahead
BY MARISA VERGARA texas section chair
As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible momentum we’ve built across the Texas Section this year. From advancing legislative and technical advocacy and education to hosting dynamic events and strengthening our statewide network, this has been a year defined by member collaboration, learning, and impact.
Across every chapter and committee, I continue to see what makes the Texas Section of AWWA so special: our shared commitment to protecting public health, fostering innovation, and creating a resilient water future for generations to come.
Building Connections Across Regions

marisa.vergara@stvinc.com
This fall, our TAWWA Executive Committee represented our Section at the AWWA Regional Meeting of Section Officers (RMSO) South in New Orleans, which brought together members from Regions 2 and 6. The sessions covered updates on AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative, strategies for member engagement, and innovative ways to strengthen the next generation of Section leadership. Various Sections shared on how to engage our members and promote community projects. Our Executive Director,
Daniel Nix, shared on our 2nd Annual AWSS conference—and it’s clear TAWWA continues to be a national leader being the first agricultural water summit discussing critical ideas and challenges. Hearing perspectives from across the country—from large utilities to small systems—was both enlightening and inspiring. I left the meeting reminded that no matter where we serve, we’re all part of the same mission: advancing the science and practice of water management to protect public health and ensure sustainability for our communities.
North Texas Leads with Innovation
In October, the North Texas AWWA Chapter held its annual Robert Pence Drinking Water Conference, one of the state’s most well-attended and respected events. This year’s sessions brought together thought leaders
MARISA VERGARA 210-798-2314
The future of Texas water
The future of water in Texas isn’t just about pipelines, treatment plants, or technology. It’s about people, like Abby Hall. By investing in the next generation of water leaders, we’re helping secure and protect the state’s water resources for decades to come — and ensuring our utilities and communities are ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges head-on.
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Even Flow
BY DANIEL NIX tawwa executive director
One of my guilty pleasures is going to a particular website every year and seeing what new "demotivator" posters they have come up with for the new year. It’s a sarcastic slant on the motivational posters we see it workplaces, and I find them quite humorous. One of my favorites is a picture of a drop of water creating a ripple across a silent sheet of water, and the demotivating phrase is "No single raindrop believes it is to blame for the flood."
It’s meant to remind us how small actions can lead

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to unintended consequences. But I think there’s another way to look at it. When we work together with intention, those individual drops— the choices we make, the projects we take on, the time we give—combine into something powerful. Not destructive, but transformative. That same collective force that can create a flood can also build resilience, replenish aquifers, and sustain communities.

danielnix.wf@gmail.com
Water never truly stands still. Even when a Texas pond looks calm under the morning sun or a quiet stretch of river reflects the sky like glass, there’s motion beneath the surface. Scientists call them microcurrents or eddies. Tiny currents twisting and turning, redistributing energy, carrying life, and maintaining a balance. Still water isn’t motionless—it simply moves in quieter ways.
In Texas, we understand that flow in all its forms. We’ve seen rivers rise and fall, aquifers swell and strain, and seasons swing between drought and flood. Through it all, we keep moving forward—finding new paths, new ways to conserve, and new ways to care for the resource that connects us all. That constancy, that quiet persistence, is what defines us.

Even Flow. That’s how I like to think of our water profession here in Texas. From the outside, things can appear steady and predictable. But those of us that live in this water world know better. That beneath that calm surface is a steady current of effort—operators
CONTINUED PAGE 32 | executive director report




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Need a gift idea for the holidays? Purchase a unique "Save Water, Texas!" conservation license plate! Not only will you share the message of water conservation every day, but you’ll also be helping support future water professionals.
Through our partnership with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, out of the total fee for the specialty plate, $22 comes back to the Section to fund scholarships for families of Texas AWWA members like you. Your small investment helps shape the future of water conservation and the future of water professionals.

Go to www.myplates.com/design/personalized/passenger/conserve-water/ to purchase yours today!





Save the Date! Texas Water Registration Opens in January

Texas WaterTM 2026 returns to San Antonio April 27-30, 2026, and attendee registration will open in January. The Conference Preview, providing more information on conference activities, will also be published in January so you can read more about what to expect at Texas Water (hotel information will also be available when attendee registration opens).
While Texas Water is always a sold out show for exhibiting (to be placed on the waitlist, send an email to exhibits@txwater.org), sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available (you can find the forms online at www.txwater.org).
Besides attending technical sessions, other ways you can participate in Texas Water are by signing up for one—or more—of the competitions, including the CONTINUED PAGE 31 | texas water


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Registration Opens Soon for the AWWA/WEF YP Summit
The annual AWWA/WEF Young Professionals (YP) Summit is the premier water and wastewater industry workshop for young professionals. Join other young leaders by exploring your role in water and discussing how you can best serve the water sector at large. The 2026 Summit will be held March 22-24, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Registration for the summit opens January 6, 2026. This year's theme is "The Next Wave: Navigating Water Sector Currents" and refers to YPs as a growing force in the water sector, as well as the next big steps for YPs themselves on their career journeys. It is also a
nod to the next iterations of rapid change being experienced throughout the wider industry. The summit will focus on developing awareness of evolving water sector challenges and opportunities though industry-leading speakers and hands-on skill-building sessions specific to emerging leaders in the industry. This skills development workshop provides supplemental training and networking opportunities to emerging leaders and students in the water sector. This year’s event will focus on developing awareness of evolving water sector challenges and opportunities,





2026 Capital Area Chapter Seminar
The Capital Area Chapter will host it's annual Seminar on Thursday, January 29 at 8 am at the Austin Central Library. Attendee registration and sponsorships are now open at www.tawwa.org/ event/2026CACSeminar.
Attendee registration is $100 by Dec. 31 ($150 after). The discounted rate for government employees is $75 and student/retiree registration is $25.
The seminar program is still being finalized but potential topics of discussion include innovative treatment technology, utility operations and management, water planning and advanced modeling, asset management, water conservation, legislative and regulatory changes, water infrastructure resiliency, projoect delivery/alternative delivery and more.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. There are exclusive $2,000 cornerstone sponsorships as well as $900 gold and $600 silver level options. Find out more details and register online at www.tawwa.org/event/2026CACSeminar.





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D&I Winter Book Club - Sign Up Today!
The Texas AWWA Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Committee invites you to their fourth session of Book Club where they will discuss Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams by Stefanie K. Johnson, PhD. In this book, Dr. Johnson describes six leadership archetypes and explains how each can become "Inclusifyers", so organizations can create a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. This book will provide practical advice to build innovative teams leading to higher employee engagement and retention rates.
The Book Club will meet during your lunch break so you can join your colleagues for an interactive discussion on the book’s topics. Discussion Sessions will be held on January 8th and February 5th from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm (Central Time).
We will discuss:
Part I – Chapters 1 through 8 (First Meeting)
Part II – Chapters 9 through 16 (Second Meeting)
Registration for the D&I Book Club is easy and no cost. TAWWA will reimburse the first 40 registrants the cost of the book (instructions on reimbursement will be provided during the first meeting). Attendees will be able to discuss with your colleagues the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels they matter and belong. The discussion will be held via Zoom (the meeting link will be provided closer to the webcast date).
Registration is limited – sign up today at www.tawwa.org/event/2025winterbookclub!


If
Respondent Profile
The survey received a diverse set of responses. Most participants worked in consulting or local government. A smaller number identified as academics or students. Experience levels ranged from recent graduates to professionals with more than twenty years in the field. This variety of backgrounds allowed for a balanced view of the digital readiness across different parts of the profession. Table 1 below shows the summary of respondent roles and experience levels.
Training and Skill Development
Most survey participants indicated that they are largely self-taught in coding and analytics. Only a few had formal coursework, and several admitted to having no training at all. One engineer summarized the gap bluntly: "If you want to learn Python, do it on your own time. There’s no budget or class for it."
Another respondent, a recent graduate, shared, "I was never required to take a single data analytics course in my civil program. I learned Python from YouTube tutorials during my internship."
These comments suggest that curiosity and
Table 1: Summary of Respondent Roles and Experience Levels
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Table 2: Distribution of Training Sources at advanced tools like Python and SQL, which are common among younger professionals but often absent in government and senior ranks.
necessity are driving learning, not formal systems. Without structured programs or incentives, digital skill development depends on individual motivation.
Table 2 shows the distribution of training sources highlighting that a majority learned digital tools independently, confirming a significant skillsdevelopment gap.
Digital Tools in Practice
As illustrated in Figure 1, Microsoft Excel and GIS remain the undisputed backbone of daily engineering work across the Texas water sector. However, a sharp generational and cultural divide emerges when looking
The barrier isn't just interest; it's often institutional policy. A city engineer described the frustration: "We have great people, but half our team still enters data by hand. It’s not because they don’t want to improve. It’s because the IT department blocks every new program we try."
The gap isn't just about capability, but also perception. A young EIT who witnessed this divide firsthand observed, "They were amazed by the most basic automation. It felt like showing someone fire for the first time." This highlights that the potential of digital tools remains theoretical in many organizations, limited by a lack of exposure and support.
CONTINUED PAGE 20 | digital skills

Figure 1: Frequency of Digital Tool Usage
Consultants face a different, yet equally restrictive, barrier: the billable hour. A project manager explained, "We can automate reports and analyses, but we can’t bill for it. The client contract only covers manual work." This creates a perverse incentive to prioritize slow, manual processes over efficient, automated ones.
Organizational Readiness
When asked if their organization was prepared for a data-driven workforce, the responses were polarized, revealing a significant readiness gap. As Table 3 shows, half of the respondents expressed disagreement or strong disagreement with the statement that their organization is prepared.
Table 3: Organizational Readiness Ratings
Perceived Readiness
The core issue, for many, is a misalignment between strategic goals and on-the-ground resources. A veteran public works director with over 20 years of experience offered a blunt assessment: "We can't even get budget for new sewer assessment trucks, let alone for 'data enablement.' Our IT is focused on keeping email running, not innovation. We're not prepared; we're surviving."
This sentiment was echoed from the consulting side, where the pressure to be billable clashes with the need to learn. "We are expected to learn coding on our own time, and it is hard to bill for that training," one consultant explained. The data and comments reveal that the most significant barriers are not a lack of technology, but a lack of time, budget, and a cultural willingness to invest in human capital.
Importance of Digital Skills
Nearly all respondents rated digital skills as important or essential for attracting and retaining new engineers. Younger professionals in particular viewed coding, data analysis, and visualization as baseline skills for their careers. They also emphasized the need to balance digital expertise with strong fundamentals in hydraulics, construction, and project management.
Several respondents noted that understanding data is becoming as critical as understanding materials or design loads. They saw value in cross-disciplinary training that combines civil engineering with computer science or data analytics.
Common Barriers and Emerging Opportunities
Despite these barriers, the survey revealed compelling examples of success where individuals championed digital tools (see Table 4). These "bright spots" demonstrate that even modest digital initiatives can yield significant improvements in efficiency and decision-making. The main obstacles to wider adoption, however, were consistently institutional, not technical. Respondents overwhelmingly cited three recurring issues:
• Time and Incentives: Organizations do not allocate protected time or provide tangible rewards for learning new tools or improving processes.
• Procurement and IT Policies: Cumbersome approval processes and restrictive IT environments prevent the experimentation necessary for innovation.
• Cultural Resistance: A fear of obsolescence and a preference for traditional methods create a culture where new approaches are viewed with skepticism, not curiosity.
As one respondent lamented, capturing the frustration of many, "We keep hearing about smart cities, but we’re still emailing spreadsheets back and forth." This gap between ambition and reality, quantified in Table 3, defines the current state of the digital transition in much of the sector. The opportunities are clear, but seizing them requires overcoming deeply ingrained institutional habits.
Table 4: Examples of Digital Applications Reported by Respondents
Category
Automated Reporting and Dashboards
Data Integration and GIS Analysis
SCADA and Sensor Data Processing
Academic and Research Applications
Utility Operations and Asset Management
Description Reported Outcome
Use of Power Automate and Power BI to generate compliance reports and visualize main break clusters.
Linking GIS data with hydraulic models to identify areas of water-quality concern.
Python scripts used to clean and analyze large datasets from SCADA systems.
Automation of bridge monitoring data processing and Power BI for project performance tracking.
Smart meter data and predictive maintenance models in local government settings.
Reduced manual reporting time and fewer errors.
Faster diagnostics and targeted maintenance.
Improved pump efficiency and operational insight.
Shorter analysis time and better data interpretation.
Cost savings through leak detection and optimized capital planning.
CONTINUED PAGE 22 | digital skills
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Survey participants and the authors identified specific steps that organizations can take now.
Allow small-scale pilot projects that test data analytics and
Update procurement language to focus on functionality and interoperability rather than specific software.
Include a “digital services” line item in proposals to account for the time and value of automation and data visualization. Create internal knowledge-sharing networks so young staff can demonstrate digital tools to project managers.
Integrate a required computational methods course into the civil engineering curriculum using Python or other
Partner with local utilities to develop data-centric design or
These actions are realistic and immediately applicable.
The digital transition in Texas water engineering is already underway, but it is uneven. Engineers are learning new tools on their own, often without institutional support. While some organizations have begun to modernize, many remain trapped by outdated processes. The survey findings show that the next generation of engineers is ready to embrace coding, analytics, and visualization as part of everyday practice.
Texas’s growth and environmental pressures make this shift urgent. Building a resilient, data-literate workforce will help utilities and consulting firms deliver smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions for communities across the state.
We sincerely thank all professionals, students, and colleagues who took the time to complete our survey and share their experiences. Your thoughtful responses provided valuable insight into the evolving role of digital skills in civil and water engineering. This work reflects your perspectives and contributions across consulting, local government, academia, and the next generation of engineers.
Author Bios
1. Alence Poudel, P.E. is Engineering Manager for the City of Sugar Land, Texas. His work focuses on water/wastewater infrastructure planning, CIP delivery, asset management, and applied analytics using statistical modeling and GIS.
2. Carla Barrios, EIT is Engineer II with the City of Sugar Land. She manages infrastructure projects that improve operational efficiency and co-leads the city’s Modeling and Analysis Division.
3. Varenya Mehta, P.E. is a water engineer at Civitas Engineering Group with eight years of experience in hydraulic modeling and treatment planning. He serves as Chair of the Texas AWWA Water Quality and Technology Division.
4. Samanata Silwal is a Data Scientist at Civitas Engineering Group specializing in water and wastewater data analysis and process optimization.




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and build skills specific to emerging leaders in the industry.
Hosted by the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation, this event will allow attendees to:
• Foster meaningful peer connections that support career growth and advance the future of the water sector.
• Develop interpersonal and leadership skills within the context of the water and wastewater industry.
• Broaden understanding of the water sector through increased awareness of industry roles, challenges, and opportunities.
• Discuss emerging challenges and identify how these may impact their goals.
• Recognize the skills they have and the ones they might need to develop further as future leaders.
• Explore trending workforce issues and how those offer opportunities for growth.
• Learn from peers and current water leaders the
value of their perspectives as young professionals.
• Engage with hands-on water and wastewater tools and approaches in a team-setting to expand practical knowledge and build lasting peer-to-peer support networks.
Events that week will include:
• Sunday, March 22: Pre-Summit Activity
• Monday, March 23: AWWA Young Professionals (YP) Leader Training Day & Welcome Reception
• Tuesday, March 24: Young Professionals Summit Networking Reception
• March 24–27: Utility Management Conference
For more information, pricing and registration information, visit awwa.org/ypsummit.

Would you like to share what your Chapter, Committee or Division has been up to?
APEI_AWWA-SOURCE_2025_0110_HalfPage_FINAL.pdf 1 1/9/25 4:02 PM
Contribute an article to be featured in Texas H2O! Send articles to txh20@tawwa.org

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Who: American Water Works Association and Corporate Sponsors
What: 24 STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students
Where: Applications open online at: awwa.awardspring.com
When: September 22 - December 20, 2025
have a bright future as a water professional! Application deadline: December 20, 2025
Why: To provide solutions to manage water effectively, the world's most vital resource.











Southeast Chapter Hosts Women in Water Lunch Series
The Southeast Chapter has been hosting a Women in Water lunch series to provide a chance to network and connect with friends, mentors and allies. Their October 31 meeting was a special Halloween edition and included a costume contest, which was a hit. Thanks to everyone who participated! Check out the Southeast Chapter page for their next event.









| cac creek cleanups |
Capital Area Chapter Upcoming Creek Cleanup Events
As part of Keep Austin Beautiful, CAC TAWWA has adopted 0.41 miles of Tannehill Branch West within Bartholomew Park. For the clean-up event, CAC will provide trash bags, grabbers, gloves, bug spray, etc. –anything you’ll need.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming tentatively scheduled clean up dates:
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Saturday, June 6, 2026

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Visit www.tawwa.org/group/capital_area for more information and clean up registration as they become available.


Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest, Hydrant Hysteria, Meter Challenge, Pipe Tapping and Top Ops. Registration for those competitions will be available online at www.txwater.org in January.
You will also be able to submit an application for a TAWWA Water Conservation or Reuse or Watermark Award soon. Winners of these awards will be recognized at Texas Water. Those applications will be available online soon at both www.txwater.org

www.aecom.com
and www.tawwa.org.
We will also be seeking donations for the annual Water For People Silent Auction. Typical donations include experiences, gadgets, event tickets, gift baskets, decorative items, collectibles, artwork, gift cards and cash. Proceeds from the Silent Auction benefit Water for People, a global non-profit bringing water and sanitation to every family, every school, and every clinic in which it works. The online donation form will be available at www.txwater.org in January.
Other conference activities you'll be able to sign up for are the Dodson Drive Fun Run, the annual Scholarship Golf Tournament and one of three educational tours of water/wastewater systems around San Antonio. More details on those events can be found in the Conference Preview in January.
Look out for emails announcing attendee registration opening in January. We hope to see you in San Antonio in April for the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.©!






CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 | executive director report
adjusting flows, engineers refining designs, educators sharing knowledge, and communities planning for the future. There’s always movement, always purpose, even when it’s not visible.
That observation of even flow runs through everything we do within the TAWWA organization. A steady, purposeful flow is what defines TAWWA. Each year, our members, volunteers, chapters, committees, and divisions create a current of progress that runs deep and wide across Texas. From training operators and advancing knowledge to supporting students, improving policy, protecting our water resources and building connections across every corner of our state—each contribution adds momentum. Like a river flexing to its bends, our strength lies in our ability to move with purpose, no matter the terrain. It’s that constant movement, often quiet but always determined, that allows TAWWA to accomplish so much, year after year.

So, as we look ahead, I hope we each take a moment to notice the flow beneath our own surface—the progress, collaboration, and renewal that keeps our work alive. Because water reminds us that motion doesn’t always rush or roar. Sometimes it simply moves forward, steady and sure, quietly carrying everything with it.
Here’s to keeping that even flow—for Texas, for our communities, and for one another.






| letter from the texas section chair |
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 | letter from the texas section chair
from across the US and across Texas to discuss critical and emerging topics such as PFAS treatment, communication strategies for water resiliency, disinfection process improvements, and more.
Events like this are a great reminder of how the Texas Section continues to lead the conversation on innovation and best practices. Through these exchanges, we strengthen not only our technical expertise but also our statewide sense of purpose and community. I encourage our members to support our Chapter Seminars in the coming year.
Advancing Agricultural Sustainability
Another major highlight this fall was the Agriculture Sustainability Summit, which TAWWA hosted in partnership with Texas Tech University. This event represented a major step forward in our goal to position Texas AWWA as a nationwide leader in integrated water management.
Our keynote speakers—Brooke Paup, Chair of the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Senator Charles Perry—spoke powerfully about the need for collaboration between the municipal and agricultural sectors. The discussions centered on source water protection, groundwater sustainability, and the feasibility of alternative water sources to augment agricultural supply.
Hearing researchers and policymakers share innovative approaches to water use efficiency and resilience gave me a renewed appreciation for how interconnected water management is in Texas. This summit was more than just an event—it was a call to action to find common ground and shared solutions for Texas’ water future.
Women in Water Momentum
TAWWA’s Women in Water events continues to grow in both influence and impact throughout the State. Several of our Chapters have hosted these events to celebrate the incredible contributions of women across the water industry, while also creating opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
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For me, events like this serve as both an inspiration and a reminder of how vital representation and inclusion are in shaping the future of our membership. I look forward to continued collaboration and connections to help strengthen our efforts here in Texas.
Strengthening Our Governance and Leadership
As we close the year, our Texas Section Board of Trustees and Committee Chairs convened for our Fall Board meeting to review ongoing initiatives and chart our direction for 2026. This meeting focused on reinforcing our governance foundation and continuing to evolve our Section to best serve members statewide.
This year’s governing document updates were approved by our Board, modernizing our structure to better reflect the dynamic needs of our members and volunteers. In addition, the Board adopted a social media policy to support consistency and professionalism across our platforms, as well as a Non-Discrimination Policy to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and respect for all members and partners.
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These updates demonstrate how we are continuously evolving to create a Section that is transparent, forward-thinking, and welcoming to everyone who shares our passion for water.
A Shared Vision for 2026
As we look toward 2026, I am optimistic about the path ahead. Together, we are building a future rooted in innovation, sustainability, and service. Whether it’s through advancing research on PFAS, improving communication around water resiliency, or mentoring the next generation of professionals, our collective work continues to move the needle for communities across Texas. I encourage you to invite a colleague to join AWWA today!
To every member, volunteer, and partner who has contributed your time and expertise this year—thank you. Your commitment is what makes this organization thrive. I’m honored to serve alongside a dedicated and passionate community, and I look forward to the incredible progress we’ll continue to make together in the year ahead.



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TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining September
Ahmed Abdallah San Marcos, TX
Emem Abia Richmond, TX
Wayne Ahrens Cypress, TX
Morgan Andrade Denton, TX
Natalie Arbour Pflugerville, TX
Lidia Arias El Paso, TX
Travis Askins Aledo, TX
Vipula Badgujar Plano, TX
Melina Banuelos El Paso, TX
Dolle Barker Morton, TX
Abigail Barone Friendswood, TX
Ana Becerra El Paso, TX
Rania Bekheet Houston, TX
Dueward Bennett Carrollton, TX
Josh Bogardus Dallas, TX
Charles Brewer Grand Prairie, TX
David Briggs Austin, TX
Phillip Burkhalter Texarkana, TX
Amy Camacho Montgomery, TX
Alejandro Campos Rosenberg, TX
Izaac Campos Austin, TX
Miguel Cantu Lubbock, TX
Zachary Carey Burleson, TX
Isabel Carrillo Fort Worth, TX
Robert Carrizales Keller, TX
Antonio Castro Rodriguez San Marcos, TX
Blake Champion Atlanta, TX
Austin Chance Aubrey, TX
Shela Chowdhury Fort Worth, TX
City of Kenedy Water Kenedy, TX
Andrew Cook Amarillo, TX
David Darley Austin, TX
Chad Davis Grand Prairie, TX
William Davis Texarkana, TX
Kira Dell Austin, TX
Malena Desai San Antonio, TX
Hossein Ebadi Lubbock, TX
Chris Elwell Mansfield, TX
Makenzy Ferguson Georgetown, TX
David Franco Fort Worth, TX
Jose Garza Austin, TX
Heath Gatlin Burleson, TX
Jesus Gonzalez Brownsville, TX
Manuel Gonzalez Alamo Heights, TX
Datia Gowdy Sugar Land, TX
Kevin Graf Irving, TX
Joshua Grimes Cedar Park, TX
Ricardo Guerra San Benito, TX
Vinayak Raj Gurung San Marcos, TX
Juan Gutierrez Addison, TX
Maryam Habibi Frisco, TX
Jayden Hamilton Roanoke, TX
Kevin Harless Graford, TX
Harris County MUD #33 Spring, TX
Terry Hawkins Richmond, TX
Shane Hazard Grapevine, TX
Rich Heine Houston, TX
Fernando Hernandez El Paso, TX
Alberto HernandezBardan El Paso, TX
John Herrera Corpus Christi, TX
Tim Hodes Houston, TX
Leah Hodge Fort Worth, TX
Tyler Holder Carrollton, TX
Nancy Honeysuckle Fort Worth, TX
Donny Hooper Amarillo, TX
Jamie Hopper DFW Airport, TX

THE EASY WAY TO START YOUR AUTOMATION JOURNEY
Wesley Horky Dallas, TX
Jeffrey Horwitz San Antonio, TX
Johnny Huizar Pleasanton, TX
Conchetta Impastato West Lake Hills, TX
Kirk Iverson Carrollton, TX
John Ivery Houston, TX
Dheeraj Jamgade Houston, TX
Adrian Jaquez El Paso, TX
Sandra Jaramillo Houston, TX
Floyd Johnson El Paso, TX
Jourdan Johnson Colleyville, TX
William Johnson Amarillo, TX
J. Jones Houston, TX
Steve Jordan Beaumont, TX
Lee Kaplan Austin, TX
Kade Kearney Austin, TX
Richard Keeler Houston, TX
Mark Kestner West Lake Hills, TX
Michael Koenig San Antonio, TX
Jenine Komoroski Irving, TX
Dan Koss Austin, TX
Michael Kotalik Austin, TX
Max Koutny San Antonio, TX
Sree Kulkarni Houston, TX
Neha Kumari San Antonio, TX
Gautam Kunwar Austin, TX
Gray Lahrman Dripping Springs, TX
Morgan Lane Houston, TX
Jose Lara San Benito, TX
Victoria Littlepage Houston, TX
Chris Longacre Atlanta, TX
Miguel Lopez Horizon City, TX
May Ma Fort Worth, TX
Robert Macias San Antonio, TX
Sarvesh Maharaj San Marcos, TX
Christine Mai Mansfield, TX
Vita Makasini Southlake, TX
Alexander Manjarres San Antonio, TX
Carlos Martinez Buda, TX
Diego Martinez Murillo El Paso, TX
Jordan Mays Frisco, TX
Michael McAdams Euless, TX
Issa McDaniel Austin, TX
Katherine McGee Arlington, TX
Freddy Mena Arlington, TX
Constanza Miner Brownsville, TX
Paula Monaco Fort Worth, TX
Paco Mondragon Eagle Pass, TX
Josue Morelos El Paso, TX
Danielle Morris White Settlement, TX
Cristian Moza San Antonio, TX
Denise Mugabe Fort Worth, TX
Hannah Nyquist South Lake, TX
Emily Oh Arlington, TX
Gabriel Ortiz Corpus Christi, TX
Travis Overturf Sherman, TX
Joseph Owen Waco, TX
Jacob Pannell Frisco, TX
Matthew Parks The Woodlands, TX
Samantha Parks Austin, TX
Carrie Patterson Spring, TX
Pragga Paromita Paul San Marcos, TX
Joshwa Payne Decatur, TX
Arnaldo Pedraza Laredo, TX
Alex Pence Houston, TX
Joshua Pequeno Austin, TX
Alexa Perez Austin, TX
Lorena Perez Houston, TX
Joshua Peterson Mansfield, TX
Nathan Phillips Alvarado, TX
CONTINUED PAGE 38 | new members

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining September 16–November 15, 2025
Andrew Poe Temple, TX
Brent Poole Rosenberg, TX
Christopher Prado Wylie, TX
Sateesh Kumar Puri Houston, TX

Alex Sandstedt Wichita Falls, TX
Robert Sauceda Hurst, TX
Valerie Schneider Houston, TX
George Sikazwe Windcrest, TX
Brian Svoboda Wylie, TX
Kamil Taras Corpus Christi, TX
Carlos Torres El Paso, TX
Joaquin Trejo Austin, TX
Mike Tucker The Woodlands, TX
Mario Valenzuela El Paso, TX
Miguel Venegas El Paso, TX
John Villegas Perryton, TX
Kenneth Wagner Amarillo, TX
Ernis Walker Euless, TX
Michael Weinstein Socorro, TX
John Wheeler Crowley, TX
Micheal Wilson Leander, TX
Tonja Woody Grand Prairie, TX
Randy Worthen Keller, TX
Icen Yoosefdoost San Marcos, TX
Zora Zheng Austin, TX

What’s Happening Across Texas


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