February 2024

T exas W ater U tilities

JOURNAL VOLUME 33

FEBRUARY 2024

"Proudly Serving Education Excellence since 1918"

NUMBER 2

Texas Water Utilities Association Regional Training – 2024

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2024 DATES Amarillo – April 2nd – 4th , 2024 Beaumont – April 29th – May 2nd , 2024 Abilene – May 6th – 9th , 2024 Arlington – May 13th -17th , 2024 Killeen – June 3rd – 6th , 2024 Longview – August 27th – 29th , 2024 Annual School – September 23rd – 26th , 2024 Lubbock – November 4th – 7th , 2024 (To Be Confirmed)

(Not all regions offer Surface 1 which is a 24 hour class these above dates reflect all regions starting on Monday and offering 24 hour classes. Once we receive all the schools fliers we will post if in fact the school begins on Monday at 1:00 or Tuesday at 8:00 ) Check the TWUA Website for the most up-to-date information related to TWUA Regional opportunities. If travel and being in crowds cause you concern or your employer has not approved travel, please look at the TWUA Computer Based Training options. (https:// twua.org/online-class-dates) Annual School – The dates for the 106th Annual School are September 23rd – 26th, 2024.

Tuesday, September 24th, at 8:00 a.m., all training classes begin. The ability to preregister for the 106th A.S. will be made available as soon as possible.

In This Edition: TEXAS WATER UTILITIES JOURNAL ( ISSN – 1051709X) is published monthly by the Texas Water Utilities Association, located at 210 E. Hwy 79, Hutto, Texas 78634 for Operators, Engineers, Managers, Laboratory technicians, Customer service personnel, Vendors, and other Professionals employed in, or interested in, the water and or wastewater industry.

President Message................................ 4

ED News ............................................. 6 If you want to get a complete look at lake levels, go to www.waterdatafortexas.org

Ten dollars of each annual membership dues payment to the Texas Water Utilities Association pays for a subscription. Nonmember subscriptions price: the USA $100.00 per year; $10.00 per single copy $125.00 per year outside the USA. Periodicals Postage Paid In Hutto, Tx. And Additional Mailing Offices.

The Texas Water Utilities Association is wholly independent, and is not affiliated with the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation, or any other National Organization.

Safety News ......................................... 9

ADVERTISERS:

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Texas Water Utilities Association – Journal 210 E. Hwy. 79, Suite 101, Hutto, Texas 78634.

Ana-Lab............................................................................................. 17

The Texas Water Utilities Association Journal is not responsible for facts and or opinions expressed by contributors or in advertisements herein. Editorials and comments do not necessarily represent the official policy of the Texas Water Utilities Association.

Garrison Minerals............................................................................... 17

All inquiries should be directed to: Texas Water Utilities Association, 210 E. Hwy. 79, Suite 101, Hutto, Texas 78634. Phone 512-459-3124. Any materials accepted for publication is subject to revision and editing At the discretion of the publisher.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: Jim Siddall - Chair of Management Clarence Wittwer – President Vicente Carrizales – President-Elect David Hinshaw – Vice President Mike Norris – Past President Bill Brown – Past President Ric O’Conner – Vendor Rep. Ex. Officio Russell Hamilton – Executive Director

_______________________________ Front Cover Photo Courtesy of: Hitchcock, Texas February 2024

EGSW.............................................................................................. 29

Homa Pump....................................................................................... 16 LSPS Solutions................................................................................... 20 Oller Engineering, Inc......................................................................... 31 Osha................................................................................................. 18 Pape-Dawson Engineers..................................................................... 21 Pump Solutions, Inc........................................................................... 19 Samco Leak Detection........................................................................ 17 Smith Pump Company, Inc.................................................................... 8 USA Bluebook.................................................................................... 23 Magna Flow................................................................. Inside Back Cover

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES: TWUA Training Schedule......................................................... 13 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 3

President’s Message

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

by Clarence Wittwer

OK, I know that in one of my last articles I said I was going to return with some tips, tricks, and other things to help with the recruitment issues many of us are facing...well, I lied. Not intentionally but Life happened and then there was a squirrel that sidetracked me and it was all downhill from there.

So I have hit you with all of the scary numbers and stats of our workforce shortage that had half of you cringing and gripping the arm rests of your chairs and the other half of you saying, “yeah fat man, tell us something we do not know”. Keeping that in mind, I am going to share some research that I have been conducting over the last few years.

In October I was speaking on this very topic at the Gulf Area District Day School. One of the exercises I insist on doing at the start of each session (stolen shamelessly from Russell Hamilton) is asking attendees to raise their hands as each one of these conditions applies: “How many of you have been in this industry a year or less?” Less than half a dozen raise their hands.

“How many have been doing this between a year and (5) years?” about another half dozen.

“10 years to 15?” now we are starting to see more.

Just in case you missed the overall point.... more than 2/3rd of the attendees had been in the industry more than 25 years.

Another time you would find me giving my same pitch to an entirely different classroom at the West Texas Regional School, but I led off with the exact same exercise and it was no surprise to me that the outcome was nearly identical.

Out of the 30+ in that class, more than 70% had been in the business for more than 30 years in this case.

Sadly, this exact same exercise can be repeated at water & wastewater industry related events around our nation and in most cases, the results will become even more staggering depending on the region.

We are right to be concerned on the operations side but few of us realize that our colleagues on the vendor and manufacturer side of the fence are facing the exact same harsh reality.

Well-known industry giants producing some of the most important equipment serving our industry are also looking at retirement eligibility rates of more than 60%. Many have key personnel retiring on a regular basis that take decades of knowledge with them. The number of fresh faces entering the industry just cannot match those leaving.

So where are the replacements? I have a better question that will be the basis of the bulk of the next few articles....WHO are the replacements?

By now, MANY of you reading this have read an article or attended some kind of presentation where the author talked about recruiting millennials to replace this vacuum. Sadly, this is so far off of the mark that it seriously troubles me when I hear it.

“15 to 20?” the hands begin to double.

“20-25?” so many more hands up now.

Here I throw everyone for a loop and skip a huge section...

“30 years or more?” suddenly I am staring at more than 20 people with their hands up including my own.

4 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

Around 5 years ago millennials started turning 40. Read that again...FORTY. I started when I was 18, I am 50 now and have more than 30 years in this business. If even a small fraction of millennials started young like me...then there is an entirely different group facing retirement soon, only adding to the urgency. On a completely separate note...but not really, how many of you have sat in a meeting and heard February 2024

President’s Message

someone complaining about millennials? Feel free to remind them that many millennials are now over 40 and that if they are NOT the bosses yet, they will be soon.

So having read all of that and had time to think....where do we go, what do we do? My short answer to close out this month: GEN Z. That is right, GEN Z. Gen Z by nature offers so much to our industry. Starting next month I will discuss the generational dividing lines, some of the characteristics of the generations and specifically some studies that show why Gen Z is an ideal candidate to start filling the deficit.

Oh, and just a reminder that we have TWO Regional Schools coming up: The Panhandle Regional School April 2nd – 4th in Amarillo and the Southeast Regional School April 29th – May 2nd in Beaumont. You can find more information on these and other schools at the TWUA.org website under the training tab.

Now all this information is great but none of it will make a difference if you don’t FTB. FIND them, TELL them about our industry and our amazing organization and BRING them to a district meeting or other function.

IF NOT, WHY? Do you know that TWUA members: • Receive a discount (from 10% to 35%) on TWUA training • Receive a subscription to the monthly TWUA Journal • Receive free updates on regulatory and technology changes • Have easy access to industry matter experts, vendors, and product providers • Have the opportunity to apply for scholarship assistance for yourself or your legal tax dependent children

MEMBERSHIP PLANS BEGINNING AT $60/YEAR!!

CONTACT TWUA AT (888) 367-8982 TO SIGN UP. February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 5

Central Office News

by Russell Hamilton, TWUA Executive Director

F

ather, we bow our heads in respect and humbly say thank you, as we acknowledge that you are the creator. We take comfort in knowing that You remain in charge and control of life as we understand it. We need You, and we welcome You in all we do. We come into Your presence seeking Your grace, calm, guidance, and forgiveness.

Father, we pray for Your mercy, and we ask that You guide, direct, protect, and bless TWUA and its members. Father, we thank you as we offer praise in the name of Jesus. Amen

p.m. (offered electronically most weeks). Check the training tab on the TWUA website for more information. All efforts will be made to provide this online 2-hour training weekly.

(Please make your voice print when you register and verify computer compatibility)

The drought is still concerning in parts of Texas. Parts of Texas are getting rain, but watersheds remain dry. In West Texas, Lake Spence sits at 16.1 % ( - 0.1 %). White River is sitting at 26.3 % (- 0.5 %). Panhandle - Lake Meredith is sitting at 44.4 % (+ 0.2 %), and Greenbelt is at 11.2 % (+ 0.1 %). If you want a complete look at current lake levels, go to waterdatafortexas. org. The drought has never left for some.

The Story Goes Something Like This –

Annual School – The dates for the 106th Annual School are September 23rd – 26th, 2024. Tuesday, September 24th, at 8:00 a.m., all training classes begin. The ability to pre-register for the 106th A.S. will be made available as soon as possible. TWUA recognizes that you have a choice when it comes to operator training, and we thank you for your support and patronage.

Resiliency Training – (Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences). https://www.tceq.texas.gov/downloads/ licensing/occupational/publications/rg-637-resiliencyrequirements-for-water-operators-and-training-providers. pdf The state has added required training to the operator licensing program beginning April 2024. TWUA is working to provide an approved version of this required training. TWUA’s version of this training will be available starting in November 2023 and delivered computer-based. Additionally, this training will be free of charge for all TWUA current members until April 2024. Class size will be limited. An operator can only receive credit for attending this core training ONE TIME! The resiliency training will begin on Thursday from 1:30 – 3:30 6 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

Beginning in April 2024, the Resiliency training will change to a pay event. This means the course will continue to be offered; however, ALL attendees will need to pay just like all other operator training.

For those looking for Live In-Person operator training – Please look at the TWUA Training Calendar and take a look at the Panhandle Region (Amarillo) School April 2nd – 4th, 2024, and the Southeast Region (Beaumont) April 29th – May 2nd, 2024.

CATCH OF A LIFETIME He was eleven years old and went fishing every chance he got from the dock at his family’s cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire lake.

On the day before the bass season opened, he and his father were fishing early in the evening, catching sunfish and perch with worms. Then, he tied a small silver lure and practiced casting. The lure struck the water and caused colored ripples in the sunset; then silver ripples as the moon rose over the lake.

When his pole doubled over, he knew something huge was on the other end. His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish alongside the dock.

Finally, he very gingerly lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest one he had ever seen, but it was a bass.

The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish, gills playing back and forth in the moonlight. The father lit a match and looked at his watch. It was 10 P.M. – two hours before the season opened. He looked at the fish, then at the boy.

“You’ll have to put it back, son,” he said.

“Dad!” cried the boy.

“There will be other fish,” said his father.

February 2024

Central Office News “Not as big as this one,” cried the boy.

He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were anywhere around in the moonlight. He looked again at his father.

Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his father’s voice that the decision was not negotiable.

He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered it into the black water.

The creature swished its powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that he would never again see such a great fish.

That was 34 years ago. Today, the boy is a successful architect in New York City. His father’s cabin is still there on the island in the middle of the lake. He takes his own son and daughters fishing from the same dock.

And he was right. He has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago. But he does see that same fish – again and again – every time he comes up against a question of ethics.

For, as his father taught him, ethics are simple matters of right and wrong. It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult. Do we do right when no one is looking? Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time? Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we know we aren’t supposed to have?

We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young. For we would have learned the truth.

The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory.

It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and grandchildren.

Not about how we had a chance to beat the system and took it, but about how we did the right thing and were forever strengthened.

Source | The Catch of a Lifetime by James P. Lenfestey in Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, et al., A 4th Course of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stay Safe, and Remember – we do not need all the operators in Texas to be a member of TWUA – JUST YOU ! ! ! !

TCEQ Occupational Licensing Exams are Going Paperless!

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Occupational Licensing section has been diligently working on revising and converting all licensing exams from paper to computer-based testing (CBT).

We are pleased to announce that beginning September 1, 2022, all TCEQ administered exams will be available at approved CBT centers. TCEQ will no longer conduct paper exam sessions, with exceptions for Americans with Disabilities Act requests.

The only two exams not offered via CBT are the OSSF Site Evaluator and the Landscape Irrigator exams, which are currently being administered by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 7

There’s a NEW KID on the block.

Meet the newest line of wastewater pumps from the company with the highest reputation for quality and innovation.

Made in the U.S.A. With over 50 years of manufacturing excellence and multiple awards for growth, Liberty Pumps is proud to announce the newest offering of products for the municipal and commercial pump market.

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Smith Pump Company Fort Worth • Waco • Austin • Houston

1-800-299-8909

Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2018 All rights reserved.

One of Americas fastest growing, privately owned companies.

Safety News

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS, OSHA.GOV Outdoor work requires proper preparation, especially in severe winter weather conditions. Although OSHA does not have a specific standard that covers working in cold environments, employers have a responsibility to provide workers with employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards, including winter weather-related hazards, which are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to them (Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970). Employers should, therefore, train workers on the hazards of the job and safety measures to use, such as engineering controls and safe work practices, that will protect workers’ safety and health.

•

o

The importance of self-monitoring and monitoring coworkers for symptoms

o

First aid and how to call for additional medical assistance in an emergency

o

How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions

Other winter weather-related hazards that workers may be exposed to, for example, slippery roads and surfaces, windy conditions, and downed power lines o

How to recognize these hazards

o

How workers will be protected: engineering controls, safe work practices and proper selection of equipment, including personal protective equipment

Employers Should Provide Engineering Controls

•

Employers Should: o

Train Workers

o

Provide Engineering Controls

o

Implement Safe Work Practices

o

Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth

•

Dressing Properly for the Cold

•

Safety Tips for Workers

Engineering controls can be effective in reducing the risk of cold stress. For example, radiant heaters may be used to warm workplaces like outdoor security stations. If possible, employers should shield work areas from drafts or wind to reduce wind chill.

Employers should use engineering controls to protect workers from other winter weather-related hazards; for example, aerial lifts or ladders can be used for safely applying de-icing materials to roofs to protect workers from the hazard of falling through skylights.

Employers Should Implement Safe Work Practices Safe work practices that employers can implement to protect workers from injuries, illnesses and fatalities include: •

Providing workers with the proper tools and equipment to do their jobs

•

Developing work plans that identify potential hazards and the safety measures that will be used to protect workers

•

Scheduling maintenance and repair jobs for warmer months

Employers Should Train Workers At a minimum train workers on: •

Cold Stress: o

February 2024

How to recognize the symptoms of cold stress, prevent cold stress injuries and illnesses

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 9

Safety News •

Scheduling jobs that expose workers to the cold weather in the warmer part of the day

•

Avoiding exposure to extremely cold temperatures when possible

•

Limiting the amount of time spent outdoors on extremely cold days

•

Using relief workers to assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs

•

Providing warm areas for use during break periods

•

Providing warm liquids (no alcohol) to workers

•

Monitoring workers who are at risk of cold stress

•

Monitoring the weather conditions during a winter storm, having a reliable means of communicating with workers and being able to stop work or evacuate when necessary

creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen (29 CFR 1910.132(h)(4)). Regardless of this, many employers provide their workers with winter weather gear such as winter coats/ jackets and gloves.

Learn more about PPE requirements and how to design an effective PPE program: Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page).

Dressing Properly for the Cold Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold stress. When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, the following would help protect workers from cold stress: •

Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing.

Layering provides better insulation. o

Acclimatizing new workers and those returning after time away from work by gradually increasing their workload, and allowing more frequent breaks in warm areas, as they build up a tolerance for working in the cold environment.

An inner layer of wool, silk, or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk, or polypropylene, inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton.

o

•

Having a means of communicating with workers, especially in remote areas

A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet.

o

•

Knowing how the community warns the public about severe weather: outdoor sirens, radio, and television

An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.

•

o

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides multiple ways to stay informed about winter storms. If you are notified of a winter storm watch, advisory or warning, follow instructions from your local authorities: NOAA Weather Radio

Employers Should Consider Protective Clothing that Provides Warmth Employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, fall protection, when required by OSHA standards to protect workers’ safety, and health. However, in limited cases specified in the standard (29 CFR 1910.132), there are exceptions to the requirement for employers to provide PPE to workers. For instance, there is no OSHA requirement for employers to provide workers with ordinary clothing, skin 10 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

•

Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities.

Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)

•

Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)

•

A hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.

•

Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands

•

Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet

February 2024

Field News

LISTEN TO EMPLOYEES, IMPROVE OUTCOMES Candace Thorson, Govloop

W

orkforce challenges in the public sector are not just an “HR problem.” Every one of us interacts with our government in some way — and these experiences shape our perception of public sector organizations as potential employers.

back out. So, you can focus on recruitment and hiring trying to bring people in … [to compensate for a] massive attrition rate, but what are you doing to keep them there, so you’re not always behind?”

Insights to Outcomes

“We interact with our government all the time, as customers, constituents, residents, visitors — and that develops for us a certain … brand perception of what it’s like to be an employee,” said Sydney Heimbrock, Chief Industry Advisor for Government, with Qualtrics, a software firm whose HR platform gives agencies a holistic view of their employee experiences.

Agencies have real constraints that impact employee engagement and satisfaction. Legacy infrastructure and IT, and legislative and regulatory mandates, can pose problems for mission-oriented government employees.

The customer experience that government provides today will affect its workforce challenges tomorrow, she said. And agencies can’t afford to get workforce management wrong.

Still, leaders can “infuse a human-centered approach into how [they] think about managing people,” she said. Supervisors have authority, discretion and tools they could be using to improve employee experiences in order to attract and retain talent.

“Depending on where you are,” Heimbrock said, “the average cost to hire is between $13,000 and $18,000 per [employee]…

But if you have a leaky bucket, they’re going to leak right

“It’s about listening … and understanding what [employees] want [and] what motivates them, versus what they are experiencing,” she added. Those insights help agencies close gaps

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 11

Field News and remove barriers to good employee performance and happiness — such as burnout and lack of work-life balance.

“If we fail to listen and fail to design for what people need and want,” Heimbrock said, “they will go somewhere else. And they’re proving that every day now.”

to take action either to solve a short-term, quick-fix problem or to uncover deeper insights about … [what] people really want and how [to] make that happen for them.”

Some knowledge is life-changing. For instance, a large law enforcement agency is using the Qualtrics platform to assist employees who struggle with mental health.

Beyond Surveys On the surface, an employee engagement survey is a poor measure of EX. Many organizations conduct engagement surveys annually — but fail to take meaningful action on the results, which steadily erodes trust over time.

People join government because they believe in the mission and want a role in it, Heimbrock said. In fact, “there’s a dimension of love that goes on in the employer/employee relationship,” she said, and “organizations that embrace [the importance of] employee experience really just recognize this phenomenon….

They design for it.”

What is valuable, and what Qualtrics provides, is a near-real time analysis of experience data across employee moments that matter, said Heimbrock. “That gives [leaders] the ability

TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION connect. engage. educate. connect. engage. educate.

DISTANT LEARNING DISTANT LEARNING NOW TCEQ APPROVED NOW TCEQ APPROVED

Visit www.twua.org for more information Visit www.twua.org for more information

12 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

Contact Us: 888-367-8982 Contact Us: 888-367-8982

February 2024

TEXAS WATER UTILITIES TRAINING SCHEDULE To register for any TWUA Training Classes – the preferred method of registration is using the online computer based electronic process, activated by clicking on specific event(s). For those who do not have internet as an option you may complete the registration form and fax to (512) 459-7124 and additionally you may contact TWUA Central Office @ 888-367-8982. Please Note – Due to recent increases for training materials, class costs have changed. Early Bird preregistration is defined to mean 30-days prior to any training event. All registrations received after the Early Bird period must pay additional registration fee. Central Office strongly encourages everyone to take advantage of the Early Bird pricing and utilize the computer based (electronic) registration.

20-Hour Classes: (Early Bird Pre-registration) $325 member $425 Non-member Onsite $375 member $475 Non-member

24-Hour Classes: (Early Bird Pre-registration) $385 member $485 Non-member Onsite $435 member $535 Non-member

ONLINE CLASS DATES

TWUA LIVE, INSTRUCTOR LED - COMPUTER BASED TRAINING

https://twua.org/online-class-date

REGIONAL SCHOOL DATES

TWUA IN PERSON TRAINING

https://twua.org/regional-school-date

TRAINING CALENDAR

ALL TWUA SCHEDULED TRAINING

https://tmts.twua.org/calendar

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 13

Important Information for 2024 Scholarship Seekers Good day, the VM Ehlers representatives want to remind you of the deadline for scholarship applications for the 2024/2025 academic year. Also, I have attached a copy of the latest (2024) application. Please use the revised application if you intend to apply for 2024/2025 funding.

If you are a current scholarship (2023/2024) recipient and you wish to apply for scholarship funding for the 2024/2025 academic year. You can send your 2023 transcript along with your 2024/2025 application, this will provide the information needed for your Spring 2024 funding and for your new application. The second half of your scholarship award will then be sent to you.

If you are a current scholarship (2023/2024) recipient and you do not intend to apply for the 2024/2025 academic year you must send your Fall 2023 transcript to receive the second half of your scholarship. We must receive the transcript before May 15, 2024.

were awarded to member applicants and applicants sponsored by members who are actively participating in TWUA events.

Applicants will be awarded one point for each district meeting the member attended during the previous five years, and 15 points will be added for each year a member has served as an officer in a district, regional, or state organization. Previously, the average score on an application was 35 points, the 2023/2024 average score increased to 55 points. Nine applicants received an additional $1,000 with their scholarship award. To receive these bonus points, applicants must attach a copy of their member’s TCEQ training record of meetings or have their district, regional, or state secretary provide a letter attesting attendance or verifying service as an officer during the last five years.

2023/2024 was the Foundations most successful year ever. The Endowment Representatives and Board are confident that the changes made improved the scholarship application process and the applicants’ experience.

The deadline for submitting applications for the 2024/2025 academic year is January 15, 2024. It is important for the applicants to get their information submitted on time. This will be even more important to those who are in high school.

Best advice: don’t wait until after the Christmas/New Year’s holidays to apply for a “State of Texas Academic Achievement Record.” Instead, it is recommended you request your records before December as early in the fall as possible. We have spoken with counselors and administrators at several school districts, and they indicate it is possible to get your records before the January 15 deadline, but they stressed that requests must be made early. Check with your high school counselor for advice on your specific situation.

If you need additional information, feel free to contact any board members for assistance. They can be reached at:

Please don’t forget the foundation’s revised method of evaluating the applications. Applications were previously assessed and awarded points for the number of years the applicant or sponsor of the applicant has been a member of TWUA, their major course of study, the applicant’s plans after completing their degree, household income, academic record, and extracurricular activities. After January 2023, extra (bonus) points

Good Luck in your future endeavors and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

14 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

Jim Siddall

1jsiddall1@att.net

Norma Clark

n.clark@twua.org

(469)371-8487

Russell Hamilton r.hamilton@twua.org George Glispin

gglispin@fordmeterbox.com

Lynn Short

lshort@lspssolutions.com

February 2024

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Basic Basic Water Water Basic Utilities Safety Basic Water Basic WATER Water WBasic AWastewater STWastewater EWastewater WAWastewater TTreatment ER WUtilities ATManagement EUtilities RSafety /WASafety S T EWAT ER Distribution Utilities W A T E R W A S T E W A T E R W A T E R / W A STManagement EWSafety ATER Water Distribution Wastewater Treatment Utilities Management Water Distribution Wastewater Treatment Utilities Basic Water Basic Wastewater Utilities **Surface Water Production I** Wastewater Collection Cross Control & Basic Water Basic Wastewater Utilities Safety **Surface WaterWater Production I** I** Wastewater Collection Cross Connection Connection ControlControl & **Surface Production Wastewater Collection Cross Connection & Water Distribution Wastewater Treatment Utilities Management Surface Water Production IIII *Wastewater Laboratory Customer Service Inspection Surface WaterWater Production *Wastewater Laboratory Customer Service Inspection WaterSurface Distribution Wastewater Treatment Utilities Management Production II *Wastewater Laboratory Customer Service Inspection *Water Laboratory Trends & *Surface Water Production I** Wastewater Collection Connection & *Water Laboratory Trends & Technologies Technologies **Surface WaterLaboratory Production I** Wastewater Collection CrossCross Connection Control Control & *Water Trends & Technologies Ground Water f/ Wastewater Professionals Surface Water Production II *Wastewater Laboratory Customer Service Inspection Surface Water II *Wastewater Laboratory Customer Service Inspection GroundGround WaterProduction f/ Wastewater Professionals Water f/ Wastewater Professionals –– 20hr Only-Pending TCEQ 20hr–Wastewater Wastewater Only-Pending TCEQ Approval Approval *Water Laboratory Trends Technologies *Water Laboratory Trends & &Technologies 20hr Wastewater Only-Pending TCEQ Approval *Pre-Registration Required –– Class Limited to *Pre-Registration Required Class–Size Size Limited to 12.

12. to 12.

Ground Water f/ Wastewater Professionals *Pre-Registration Required Class Size Limited Ground Water f/ Wastewater Professionals **Surface Water II is 24 hrs.

In Length -- Start 1:00pm Monday, May 66thth –– Pre-Registration -- Class limited to – 20hr Wastewater Only-Pending TCEQ Approval **Surface Water is 24 hrs.

In Length Start 1:00pm Monday, May Class-Size Size limited to 20 20 to 20 **Surface Water I is 24 hrs. In Length - Start 1:00pmTCEQ Monday, MayPre-Registration 6th –thPre-Registration Class Size limited – 20hr Wastewater Only-Pending Approval All other courses are 20 hrs. in Length & Start Tuesday 7 . th All other are 20are hrs.20 Length &Limited Start&Tuesday 7th . 7th. *Pre-Registration Required –inClass Size to 12.Tuesday All courses other courses hrs. in Length Start *Pre-Registration Required – Classp.m.

SizeThursday Limited to 12.

TCEQ’s Mandatory 22 Hour Resiliency Training will offered @ May 99th,, $30 th – TCEQ’sTCEQ’s Mandatory Hour Training will be be offered @ 1:30 1:30 May $309thMembers, Members, $60 Nonmembers **Surface Water I is 24 hrs.

In Length - Start 1:00pm Monday, May Pre-Registration Class$60 SizeNonmembers limited to 20 Mandatory 2Resiliency Hour Resiliency Training will be offered @p.m.

1:30Thursday p.m. 6 Thursday May , $30- Members, $60 Nonmembers th – Pre-Registration - Class Size limited to 20 Pre-registration is required – NO WALK-INS **Surface Water I is 24 hrs.AllInother Length Start 1:00pm Monday, May 6 Pre-registration is required – NO&WALK-INS courses are 20 hrs. is in required Length 7th.

Pre-registration –Start NO Tuesday WALK-INS All other courses 20 hrs.@in1:30 Length & Start Tuesday 7th.Members, $60 Nonmembers TCEQ’s Mandatory 2 Hour Resiliency Training willare be offered p.m. Thursday May 9th, $30 Pre-registration is required – NO WALK-INS TCEQ’s Mandatory 2 Hour Resiliency Training will be offered @ 1:30 p.m. Thursday May 9th, $30 Members, $60 Nonmembers

Pre-registration is required – NO WALK-INS

BEST TASTING WATER CONTEST BEST TASTING WATER CONTEST BEST TASTING WATER CONTEST

There aa Best Tasting Water Contest with in categories: There will will be bewill Best Water Water Contest with winners winners in two twoin categories: There be aTasting Best Tasting Contest with winners two categories: systems serving less than 10,000 persons and systems serving over 10,000 persons. systems servingserving less than 10,000 persons and systems servingserving over 10,000 persons.

BEST TASTING WATER CONTEST systems less than 10,000 persons and systems over 10,000 persons.

THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL SYSTEMS WHICH TREAT THEIR WATER –– THISThere CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL SYSTEMS WHICH TREAT THEIR WATER THISwill CONTEST OPEN Water TO ALL SYSTEMS WHICH THEIR WATER – be a BestISTasting Contest with winners inTREAT two categories: BOTH GROUND AND SURFACE SUPPLIERS. BOTH GROUND AND SURFACE SUPPLIERS. BOTH GROUND AND SURFACE SUPPLIERS. systems serving less than 10,000 persons and systems serving over 10,000 persons.

BEST TASTING WATER CONTEST Those interested should contact Rob Klafter at rob.klafter@abilenetx.gov or 325/676-6041.

Those interested contact Rob Klafter at rob.klafter@abilenetx.gov or categories: 325/676-6041.

Those contact Rob Klafter atWHICH rob.klafter@abilenetx.gov or 325/676-6041.

THIS CONTEST IS should OPEN TO ALL SYSTEMS TREATinTHEIR WATER – There willinterested be should a Best Tasting Water Contest with winners two BOTH GROUND AND SURFACE SUPPLIERS. systems serving less than 10,000 persons and systems serving over 10,000 persons.

GOLF TOURNAMENT Those interested should contact RobGOLF Klafter atTOURNAMENT rob.klafter@abilenetx.gov or 325/676-6041.

GOLF TOURNAMENT THIS CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL SYSTEMS WHICH TREAT THEIR WATER – A will be held at 12-noon, Monday, May 2024 aa Location to A Golf GolfATournament Tournament will be held at 12-noon, Monday, May 6, 6,May 20246,at at2024 Location to be be Determined.

Determined.

Golf Tournament will be held at 12-noon, Monday, at a Location to be Determined.

Those interested should contact Kenny Doss at kenny.doss@abilenetx.gov or (325) 548-2237.

BOTH GROUND AND SURFACE SUPPLIERS. Those Those interested shouldshould contactcontact KennyKenny Doss atDoss kenny.doss@abilenetx.gov or (325) GOLF TOURNAMENT interested at kenny.doss@abilenetx.gov or 548-2237.

(325) 548-2237.

Those interested should Klafter at rob.klafter@abilenetx.gov orbe325/676-6041.

A Golf Tournament willcontact be held atRob 12-noon, Monday, May 6, 2024 at a Location to Determined.

Those interested should contact Kenny Doss at kenny.doss@abilenetx.gov or (325) 548-2237.

HOTELS HOTELS HOTELS GOLF The Elegante Suites, 4250 Dr., 325-698-1234 will our host hotel again this year and offering The MCM MCM Elegante Suites,Suites, 4250 Ridgemont Ridgemont Dr.,TOURNAMENT 325-698-1234 will be bewill ourbe host year offering The MCM Elegante 4250 Ridgemont Dr., 325-698-1234 ourhotel hostagain hotel this again thisand year and offering aa rate of $107.00/night until April 19, 2024.

A list of hotels is available at 325/676-6429 or kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov A Golf Tournament will be held at 12-noon, Monday, May 6, 2024 at a Location to be Determined. rate of $107.00/night until April 2024. list of hotels is available at 325/676-6429 or kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov HOTELS a rate of $107.00/night until 19, April 19, A 2024.

A list of hotels is available at 325/676-6429 or kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov Those should4250 contact Kenny Doss at kenny.doss@abilenetx.gov or (325) 548-2237.

The MCMinterested Elegante Suites, Ridgemont Dr., 325-698-1234 will be our host hotel again this year and offering a rate of $107.00/night until April 19, 2024. A list of hotels is available at 325/676-6429 or kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov

HOTELS

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM CENTRAL WEST TEXAS REGIONAL The MCM Elegante Suites, 4250 Ridgemont Dr., 325-698-1234 will be our host hotel againSCHOOL this year and offering PRE-REGISTRATION FORM CENTRAL WEST TEXAS REGIONAL SCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION FORM CENTRAL WEST TEXAS REGIONAL SCHOOL ORDER TO COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERED -- ALL PRE-REGISTRATION ARE 29, aIN rate of until April 19, 2024.

ADELIVERED list of hotels isALL available at 325/676-6429DEADLINES or kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov IN ORDER TO GET GET MATERIAL DELIVERED ALL -CLASS CLASS PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINES ARE MARCH MARCH 29, 2024.

2024.

IN $107.00/night ORDER TOCOURSE GET COURSE MATERIAL CLASS PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINES ARE MARCH 29, 2024.

PRE-REGISTRATION FORM CENTRAL WEST TEXAS REGIONAL SCHOOL

MAIL FORM WITH PAYMENT TO: IN ORDER TO GET COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERED - ALL CLASS PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINES ARE MARCH 29, 2024.

MAILMAIL FORM WITH PAYMENT TO: TO: FORM WITH PAYMENT

KENNY HUTCHINS –– WATER ADMINISTRATION –– P.O. 60, TX KENNY HUTCHINS WATER ADMINISTRATION P.O. BOXBOX 60, ABILENE, ABILENE, TX 79604 79604 KENNY HUTCHINS – WATER ADMINISTRATION – BOX P.O. 60, ABILENE, TX 79604

MasterCard/Visa for thru TWUA Central Office at 367-8982 or (512) 459-7124 but MAIL FORM WITH PAYMENT MasterCard/Visa for pre-registration pre-registration thru the the TWUA Central Office at (888) (888) 367-8982 or Fax Faxor (512) but confirm confirm MasterCard/Visa for pre-registration thru the TWUA Central Office atTO: (888) 367-8982 Fax 459-7124 (512) 459-7124 but confirm with Kenny Hutchins at 325/676-6429 or Fax 325/676-6044 or email: kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov with Kenny Hutchins at 325/676-6429 or Fax 325/676-6044 or email: kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov with Kenny Hutchins at 325/676-6429 or Fax 325/676-6044 or email: kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov KENNY HUTCHINS – WATER ADMINISTRATION – P.O. BOX 60, ABILENE, TX 79604 There will not be any License Tests Offered at Regional School PRE-REGISTRATION FORM CENTRAL WEST TEXAS REGIONAL SCHOOL There There will not be any License TestsOffice Offered at this this Regional School will be anyCentral License Tests at this Regional School MasterCard/Visa for pre-registration thru thenot TWUA atOffered (888) 367-8982 or Fax (512) 459-7124 but confirm with Kenny Hutchins at 325/676-6429 or Fax 325/676-6044 or email: kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov IN ORDER TO GET COURSE MATERIAL DELIVERED - ALL CLASS PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINES ARE MARCH 29, 2024.

There will not be any License Tests Offered at this Regional School

MAIL FORM WITH PAYMENT TO:

KENNY HUTCHINS – WATER ADMINISTRATION – P.O. BOX 60, ABILENE, TX 79604

MasterCard/Visa for pre-registration thru the TWUA Central Office at (888) 367-8982 or Fax (512) 459-7124 but confirm with Kenny Hutchins at 325/676-6429 or Fax 325/676-6044 or email: kenny.hutchins@abilenetx.gov There will not be any License Tests Offered at this Regional School

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 15

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Using state-of-the-art technologies, our experienced technicians offer solutions well beyond traditional leak detection capabilities to help you improve the performance of your utility system.

These advanced services include: Pro-Active Leak Detection Preventive Maintenance Programs System-Wide Water Accountability Assessments GIS Mapping and Asset Management Services Drinking Water Regulatory Support Benefits of Utilizing SAMCO Services Reduce water production and distribution costs Improve overall efficiency and gain knowledge of your distribution system Improve water quality and assure adequate pressure to help safeguard public health Improve public water system compliance with State and Federal regulations

901 Mopac Expressway South, Suite 300 Austin, TX 78746 512-263-7043 (Office) 512-751-5325 (Mobile) sgodfrey@samco-leakservice.com www.samco-leakservice.com

February 2024

P. O. Box 9000 • Kilgore, Texas 75663-9000 903-984-0551 • Fax: 903-984-5914 www.ana-lab.com • email: corp@ana-lab.com Ana-Lab Corporation is an employee-owned organization which provides industry, government, consultants, and individuals with complete, timely, and accurate chemical analysis, including state approved total coliform testing.

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Austin Dallas Austin 972-620-8900 512-821-0045 512-821-0045 972-837-9412 Brownsville Houston 956-238-0208 281-333-9414 956-831-6437 281-333-9414

T104704201

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 17

PROTECT WORKERS IN TRENCHES Prevent trench collapses and save lives:

SLOPE or bench

trench walls,

SHORE trench walls

with supports, or

SHIELD trench

Photo: Efficiency Production – NAXSA

WWW.OSHA.GOV/TRENCHING • 800-321-OSHA (6742) • TTY 877-889-5627

OSHA 3215-06R 2018

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We work on all brands and models Factory certified repairs for KSB, Barnes, Weinman, Deming, Crown, and Cornell pumps Houston: 281-399-9400 Austin: 512-809-2302 Dallas: 817-684-0900 sales@pumpsolutions.net

20 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

February 2024

There are 3 steps in the TCEQ exam process.

1. application/payment 2. approval/conditional approval 3. designate testing location You are not through the process if you have not designated a testing location with TCEQ!

TWUA.org

WATER DISTRIBUTION & WASTEWATER COLLECTION | WATER SUPPLY INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN | WASTEWATER TREATMENT DESIGN Texas Engineering Firm #470

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 21

Texas Water Utilities Association

46th Annual Panhandle Regional School

April 2 - 4, 2024 Held at the Amarillo Civic Center, 401 S. Buchanan Amarillo, Texas WATER COURSES

Basic Water Surface Water Production II Ground Water Production Water Distribution Water Lab

WASTEWATER COURSES

Basic Wastewater Wastewater Treatment Wastewater Collection Wastewater Lab

WATER/WASTEWATER/OTHER COURSES

Management Utility Safety Calculations Pump and Motor Chlorinator Maintenance

*RESILIENCY TRAINING* TCEQ is now requiring Resiliency Training for Water Operators and Training Providers!!!

Requirements will go into effect April 1, 2024, see RG-637 for details.

TO REGISTER PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE PanhandleRegion.com Join TWUA and pay the member price and get all the benefits of being a TWUA Member, call 512-459-3124

Pre-Registration Fee - TWUA MEMBERSHIP WILL BE VERIFIED! Course TWUA Member Non-Member All Courses $300 $400

Course All Courses

Late / On-Site Registration Fee After 3/27/23 TWUA Member Non-Member $375 $475

On-Site Registration at the door will begin on Tuesday at 7:15 am. Pre-Registered students can pick up their name badge and information packets from the registration booth. Registration fee includes training manuals, snacks, refreshments, and noon meals.

TESTING INFORMATION As of September 1, 2023, paper-based exams will no longer be offered at TWUA Regional Schools. All tests are available at authorized Computer Based Testing Sites (CBT). You can see the available sites here: Computer Based Testing Sites You are still required to fill out the on-line Occupational Licensing Electronic Application (OLEA) 30 days prior to attending classes.

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown

For Reservations call 806-803-5500

Make sure to mention that you will be attending the TWUA Regional School to receive the special discount rate.

For registration information visit our website at www.panhandleregion.com for all other inquiries call Ruben at 806-674-4834 Regional School Emergency contact # call Steven at 806-683-0772

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V.M. Ehlers Scholarship Scoring & Results will be announced soon!

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 23

TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION

Individual Membership Application Use this form to: 1) Join TWUA "At Large" 2) Join TWUA and a District/Chapter 3) Renew your TWUA Membership Please Print Clearly Application for: o

Active Member

o o o o

Full-Time Student Retired Member Membership Renewal New Member

"At Large" or District/Chapter Name:____________________ Membership for year 20____ Name:____________________________________________________ SS# _______ - _______ - __________ Home Address:_____________________________________________ City:____________________________State:________ Zip:___________ Home Phone: (

)____________________________________

Work Phone: (

)____________________________________

E-Mail Address:_____________________________________________

Employer:______________________________________ Job Title:_______________________________________ Amount of Dues Enclosed: $________________________ Signature of Member:_______________________________________ Today's Date:______________________________________________ A portion of your TWUA Dues is allocated for a subscription to the Texas Water Utilities Journal.

Submit all dues to the TWUA Central Office: TWUA Central Office, 210 East Hwy. 79, Suite 101, Hutto, Tx. 78634 For more information, Ms. Adee at: 512-279-8129. Fax: 512-459-7124.

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 25

TWUA 66th SOUTHEAST REGIONAL SCHOOL April 29 – May 2, 2024

HOLIDAY INN – BEAUMONT PLAZA 3950 I-10 SOUTH BEAUMONT, TEXAS Make Reservations at Direct number only for discounted rate 409-842-5995 Code TWU Wastewater Courses Basic Wastewater Wastewater Collection

Water Courses Basic Water Works Operation Water Distribution Ground Water Production

Water & Wastewater Utility Management Utility Safety Special Topics Pump and Motor Maintenance

CLASSES START April 30, 2024, 8:00 A.M.

Class Times: Tues. 8 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Wed. 8 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Thurs. 8:00 A.M. – Noon.

PRE-REGISTRATION ON SITE REGISTRATION Postmark 3/21/2024 4/25/2024 TWUA Member $300.00 TWUA Member $360.00 Non-Member $400.00 Non-Member $460.00 Pre-Registration Packets can be picked up from 7:00 –8:00 AM., in the Lobby 04/30/2024 General Session – Tuesday 12:00 P.M. Two Luncheons are included.

66th TWUA SOUTHEAST REGIONAL SCHOOL Register Online at www.twua.org OR PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE: FIRST NAME

M.I.

LAST NAME

MAILING ADRESS

CITY

STATE

WORK PHONE: AREA CODE AND NUMBER

ZIP

EMPLOYER

_________________________________________________________________________________ SOCIAL SECRUITY # or LICENSE #

CLASS ATTENDING

Are you a TWUA Member? Yes ____ or No____ If Yes, What District Chapter or At-Large Membership? _____________

PAYMENT INFORMATION (Please choose one) ____ Purchase Order (Attach Copy) ____ Check (Make Checks Payable To: TWUA S.E. Region) ____ Credit Card Name on Card ____________________________________ Credit Card#_________________________________________ Exp. Date_____________ Billing Zip Code ___________Security Code ____________ MC/VISA/DISCOVER/AMER EXP Signature_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Mail Completed Pre-Registration Forms & Payment to: 210 E Hwy 79 STE 101 Hutto, Tx. 78634 Fax:512-459-7124 Any questions concerning registration please contact: Central Office at 512-459-7124 or 888-367-8982

26 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

February 2024

TWUA Southeast Regional School April 29th 2024 –May 2nd 2024 Holiday Inn - Beaumont Plaza, 3950 I-10 South, Beaumont, Texas.

Monday, April 24 Tuesday, April 25

Wednesday, April 26 Thursday, April 27

9:00 am 1-5 pm 7-8 am 8 am-5:00 pm 9 am-3:30 pm 12-1 pm 8 am-5:00 pm 12-1 pm 8 am-12 noon

Golf Tournament, Idylwild/Pinewood Golf Course Exhibitor Setup Pre-registration / On-site Registration Classes in Session Exhibits open Luncheon (included with cost) Classes in Session Luncheon (included with cost) Classes in Session

TWUA Southeast Region 32 Annual Golf Tournament nd

The Southeast Region of TWUA is hosting a golf tournament on April 29, 2024 at Idylwild/Pinewood Golf Course, 1100 East Pineshadows Dr. Sour Lake TX. Sponsors are needed to raise money to support the tournament and to fund scholarships.

Cost: $75 / player $100.00-hole sponsorship (printed sign with sponsor’s names) Any $50.00 donation will go toward the following Proximity and Long drive prizes.

First Place $100.00 per person plus trophies 4 closest to the pin prizes awarded 4 longest drive prizes awarded Please make all checks payable to TWUA Southeast Region and mail to: PO Box 7851, Beaumont, TX 77726 If you have any questions, please contact JON BROUSSARD, TWUA golf tournament director, at 409-813-2796 or jbroussard@actpipe.com HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS – HOLIDAY INN – BEAUMONT PLAZA (409) 842-5995 before March 29, 2024 for Reservations and mention Group Code: TWU KING OR DOUBLE ROOM $98.00 PER NIGHT plus tax Please call the local Beaumont number for reservations.

(409) 842-5995 The 1-800 reservation number rooms will not credit towards our school.

February 2024

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 27

TCEQ JANUARY LICENSES MARION, TRAVEON

BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER

CUSTOMER SERVICE INSPECTOR

ALEXANDER, ANZAE DAVION

BLASINGAME, MICHAEL WAYNE

PAEZ, JOSE J

ANDERSON, CLINTON L

BUBAR, HUDSON HOWARD

PARKS, MATTHEW

ARRINGTON, MICHAEL

COTTRELL, CHARLES J

SMITH, SCOTT D

BAILEY, ROBERT D

BARTON, WILLIAM

DZIUK, CHANCE

STENCE, EDWARD

BOSWELL, RANDELL A

BERNAL, PATRICK IRAN

HEBERT, JARED STEPHEN

TORREZ, RYAN

LAYTON, RONALD R II

BERNAL, RAY

HOLMAN, DEMONE H

VENABLE, DARIN L

LEE, SPENCER

BORNN, RYAN

LYNCH, PHILLIP D

CUEVAS, MANUEL

MILLER, JACOB

DE LA CRUZ, JOAQUIN JONATAN

PETREY, PRESTON C

DOSKOCIL, HAYDEN

PODLEVSKY, DEREK ALEXANDER

DRAUGHON, MICHAEL CHAD

TALLEY, PAUL HORNE

FEDER, RICHARD C

YOUNG, KRISTOFER

MARTINEZ, JULIAN ARTHUR

WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR

MITCHUSSON, KYE MICHAEL

FOREST, SHANE GARCIA, JOHNNY J

GROUND WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR

GARCIA, LEONARD L GARZA, JESUS G

MANNERING, MATTHEW DANE SURFACE WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR CLASS B BROWN, KEVIN JOHN FADDIS, RYAN NATHANIEL HOWELL, RONNIE C MEADOR, JOSEPH BENJAMIN

CLASS B

GORE, BLAKE A

SIEMS, MATTHEW L VILLARREAL, TYLIN

HAMBLIN, AL VERNE

ALLEN, WILLIAM R

HARRISON, CHAD NORMAN

ARELLANO, BENJAMIN MICHAEL

JEANES, CHAD

COX, KEVIN W

KING, CHRISTOPHER J

CROWE, CALVIN C

KUUSISTO, LANCE

BRUST, ADAM

DRAWDY, JACK L

CAMPOS, GILBERT Y

MARTINEZ, CARLOS G JR MICALLEF, JASON FRED JR

CLASS C

DESJARDINS, DRAKE T CLASS C

MONTOYA, TONY

FULLER, LOEGAN PARKER GONZALES, LUIS CARLOS

MORALES, FORTINO

ALVARADO, JORGE I

ODELL, KYLER D

LANGSTON, KATY A

BARNETT, BRANTEN LON

ORTIZ, MAURO

LLANAS, MIGUEL

BOWEN, JAMES C

OVIEDO, JAIME

MOORE, BRANDON TRAVIS

BRADFORD, HARRY

PIMLOTT, MATTHEW

NEU, JAMES WALLACE

CAMPBELL, KAMERON M

POLLARD, LACI ANN

NEWSOME, ROBERT NATHANIEL

CARLISLE, LARRY C

RAFFAELE, JACOB

ORTEGA, JESSIE DANIEL

CARRAHER, COREY PAUL

REYNA, SIMON GUERRERO

PERLEY, JONATHON RENE

CLARK, NATHAN

ROBB, JASON H

RIVERA, PEDRO III

COLLINS, TYLER

RODRIGUEZ, AUSTIN

SALIENS, MALCOLM

CROWELL, COLEMAN DEAN

RUIZ, ALBERTO

SHELTON, MICHAEL J

CUELLAR, RICHARD

SCOTT, BROLIN

TAYLOR, KATHLEEN JEAN

ESTRADA, JOSE M

SEXTON, LUKE

TESTA, DERICK MICHAEL

FLORENDO, BILL

SOSA, TULIO

TROSCLAIR, SETH RYAN

GOMEZ, BRITTANY

SWAFFORD, JONATHAN HENRY

WEAVER, FRANK LINNARD

GONZALEZ, JASON SAUL

TORRES, SANTIAGO MANUEL

WHITEHEAD, JEREMY

GOODEN, JORDON

TOVAR, FRANK PATRICK

GOYNE, DEREK

VECERA, BRANDON LEE

HANEY, RYAN R

VEGA, JOSE L

HOLT, CODY

WARD, SETH M

JONES, KEVIN M

WHEELER, GEOFF DANIEL

LOPEZ, HECTOR

ZAMARRIPA, ANDY

28 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

CLASS B

MOORE, CHRISTOPHER C MORGAN, WAYNE D WASHBURN, KYLE D YATES, JOHNNY YOHO, JACOB C CLASS C ANDERSON, DRAKE D ARAUJO, ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ CURRY, MICHAEL ADDISON DONNELLY, GERALD H FOWLER, ROYCE GAIR, COREY GARCIA, CARLOS FRANCISCO HAMILTON, RANDALL KARRY HENDRICKS, RYAN HERRERA, MARK HONEY, STEPHANIE DIEKEN HOUGH, BLAINE HOWARD, JASMINE JACOBS, HUNTER JOHNSON, THOMAS BRIAN KUNDAJE, VINAY LABRY, CHRISTOPHER R LOZANO, JEREMY MARTINEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO NAVARRETE, RAUL H NAVARRO, DAMIAN PADILLA, IGNACIO PALOMINO, MARTIN PEREZ, JACOB R PEREZ, MAXIMO PERKOVICH, KENNETH A PHILLIPS, JOSHUA RICHARD RODRIGUEZ, JOSE L SIERRA, CHRISTOPHER SORENSEN, MARY SOTO, RONNIE SPEARMAN, DEMETRICE

February 2024

TCEQ JANUARY LICENSES SWAIN, CASEY

CANTRELL, BRETT MORGAN

JIMENEZ, JORGE

RODRIGUEZ, FREDDY

WESTON, GREGORY

CASEY, TANNER WADE

JOHNSON, SHELIA EWING

ROMERO, JOSE GUADALUPE

WISDOM, ROGER

CATON, KEVIN BRANDON

KEARNEY, LARRY NEAL

ROWLANDS, THOMAS

CHAIREZ, MOSES PAUL

KLUMKER, SHALEY

SAMS, RICHARD W

CHILES, CRAIG

LANE, MATTHEW

SANCHEZ, JESUS ALFONSO

COLLINS, CASSANDRA

LOPER, EVAN TATE

SANCHEZ, JOSE

CORDOVA, JOHNNY JOE

LOPEZ, ROBERT ANTHONY

SANTOS, ANDREW

DOHERTY, LOGAN HUNTER

MACALLISTER, GARRETT

SAUCEDO, PAUL FELAN

DONALDSON, MICHAEL

MAHDI, MUWAFAQ

SCHOUEST, ELLIS JOSEPH

DONNAN, ERIC

MATA, JOERDAN

SHIPLEY, JASON

DUHON, AUSTIN DALE

MAYES, DARRION

SMITH, MICHAEL AUSTIN

DYESS, ADAM WESLEY

MAYS, TREVOR

SOLIS, FRANCISCO

EAVES, JACOB CHARLES LEE

MERRILL, ROBERT STEPHEN

STALCUP, WADE

EDGAR, MATTHEW KEITH

MERRITT, BRISTER

STOCKTON, HUGH JOHN

ELROD, BRANDON MICHAEL

MORALES, JOSE DE JESUS

STOWE, CORY

ENRIQUEZ, LUIS OMAR

NILES, KEVIN W

SWALLOWS, DAVID

EVANGELISTA, SAMUEL

OCONNOR, TANDIN

TAYLOR, GARY DALE

FERNANDEZ, CARLOS E

PARKEY, BLAKE

THORPE, STEVEN M

FISHER, JAMES

PEREZ, ARCADIO

VELA, JAVIER

FLORES, MARIA

PEYTON, TRAVIS

VELASQUEZ, JASON ADAM

GARCIA, MICHAEL LOUIS

PIMENTEL, KEVIN OLIVEIRA

WAGNER, JOSEPH C

GATTEN, MARK

QUINONEZ, ROBERT Q

WALTMAN, JACKSON ALEX

GEYER, MASON

RICO, FRANCISCO ELIJAH

WATKINS, BILLY

GOIN, PRISCILLA

ROBERTS, SEAN

WELTY, DEVIN

WORD, JERRY WATER OPERATOR CLASS A BOND, JONATHAN T BRADSHAW, RUSSELL K CAGLE, CHRISTOPHER DANIEL CARRILLO, ANTONIO CLARK, DUSTIN S CONLEY, JOHN N HERNANDEZ, JOHN EDWARD HOOK, ERIC E HOUSTON, LUCAS L JONES, JERIE J NAVARRO, ALEJANDRO F SMITH, JOHN ANTHONY VONHEEDER, WESLEY A WOODLEY, MARQUES D CLASS D

GOMEZ, KEVIN

ALNEZARI, DHORGHAM ANDERSON, KENNETH ANGELES, JAHAEL B

GREER, ANTHONY A GUERRERO, ADAN GUTIERREZ, ANTHONY GUTIERREZ, RUBEN

ARAMBULA, DAVID

GUTIERREZ, SERGIO HOMERO

ASKARI, JUSTIN

HARRIS, JOSHUA CAI

BANKSTON, ETHAN

HAWKINS, WARREN

BORG, KIRK BRACKNEY, ROBERT DUSTY BROOKS, ANDREW LOGAN BUBAK, TYLER BURNEY, SAUD YUSEF BEY

HERNANDEZ, ANTHONY HOUSEHOLDER, JONATHAN DAVID

EGSW

Environmental Group Southwest

WIPES IN PIPES

With Micro-Solve® microorganisms multiply. This reduces the grease that binds wipes together. Micro-Solve® reduces the risk of contact with disease.

HULSEY, TREY SCOT HUNT, KEVIN WAYNE IRVINE, JEFFREY WILLIAM

Exam Prep Optimize Mental Readiness

Wipes when flushed and combined with other products and grease that is poured down drains, create "fatbergs". Once they enter the sewer lines, they can accumulate and cause backups, damaging the city's infrastructure.

WHAT IF You knew “HOW” you would NOT fail?

February 2024

Call 512-775-5358 www.egsw.us Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 29

TCEQ JANUARY LICENSES KVAAL, TRAVIS L

BEARD, TOMMY W

HERNANDEZ, ANTHONY RAYMOND

WILLIAMS, BRAYDEN THOMAS

LAFRANCE, JUSTIN J

BOUVIER, RACHEL

KEIGHLEY, BRIAN

WILSON, AMBER

LAFRANCE, MARK D JR

CAPPS, CHASE WAYNE

KONCABA, KYLE RYAN

WILSON, MARK CHASE

NDEFUNG, CYPRAIN NYINMEH

CARRILLO, THOMAS RAY

LOPEZ, JAVIER

WOOD, JASON MAXWELL

ROBERTS, ROBERT S JR

CHOLICO-RAMIREZ, HECTOR

LOWE, TYLOR

ROSALES, ANGEL

DOBRETZ, JEFFERY

MALDONADO, PAULOVIC M

SANDOVAL-GUIJOSA, JONATHAN

GUILLORY, OUSTIN

MARROQUIN, ERICK

SELF, TYLER

HERRON, JOE

MCCLARY, SEAN

SHORT, RUTHERFORD D JR

JACQUEZ, JONATHAN

MCFADDEN, MARCUS

STEINMAN, JEFFREY L

KAIBA, NOAH RAYE

MEZA, JOE RIVER

TRIMM, JEREMY W

KYLE, RICHARD L

MUNIZ, JAMES EDWARD

LASHLEY, JEFFREY EUGENE

PEREZ, ZACHARIAH

LEPEZ, JAVIER ISRAEL

PEYTON, TRAVIS

LOPEZ, MIGUEL

PRATER, PENNY LYNN

MARTINEZ, ADRIAN

RIVERA AGUIRRE, NATHALY INFANTE

MENDOZA, NOE JUAN JR

ROBERTSON, PATRICK F

MIGL, JAMES A

RODRIGUEZ, KEITH

MITCHELL, STERLING

RODRIGUEZ, MATTHEW

RODRIGUEZ, ARTURO

SALOMON, CRISTIAN

RYAN, SHANNON ANNE

SCOTT, BRADLEY R

SOTO, JOEL

SEGREST, AARON JAMES

VOTH, COLBY ALAN

SLACK, DUSTIN TRACY

WAGNER, TYLER JEFFREY

SPEEGLE, JACOB JOSHUA

WILKINSON, JOHNNIE

ZUNIGA, JAN EBER WASTEWATER COLLECTION OPERATOR COLLECTIONS I ANGON, JULIAN BURNS, ZANE RICHARD

WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATOR

CALDWELL, LAWRENCE MALCOLM CARTRIGHT, BRYSON MICHAEL

CLASS A

DABBS, DEREK DEWAYNE EVANS, JASMEN

BERRY, RYAN D

FLORES, JORGE

COUCH, JAMES C JR

GARCIA, XAVIER DEVON

DURAN-FUENTES, JESUS O

GONZALEZ, EDUARDO

JOHNSON, RODNEY E II

HERNANDEZ, CHRISTIAN

JONES, JERIE J

IHAZAH, GODWIN P

KING, CHAD M

JIMENEZ, SERGIO

MALIN, KENNETH R

LOCK, CALVIN LEE

MARTINEZ-CASTRO, JONATHAN

MACIAS, EDDIE

RODRIGUEZ, ADAM R

MARIN, STEVE

WATKINS, PETER WILLIS

MCCANCE, ZACHARY

WILLIAMS, AHMAD R

OCEGUERA, ELEAZAR PEACHER, JOSEPH WAYNE

CLASS B

POE, DALTON RAINEY, EDWARD

AKIBODE, KEKELI YAWA

RICHARDSON, CALEB

CASANOVA, VANESSA

RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ

COLLINS, ROY D

TURRUBIARTE, ESTEBAN PAUL

DAHL, NATHAN S

VALDEZ, TIMOTHY

DEES, ZACHARY A DRAKE, ROBERT LEE

COLLECTIONS II

GUNNINK, JONATHAN R LOWE, MATTHEW E

CARROLL, GREEN

MORROW, MYLES S

GREER, LEANNA HOPE

RIDGWAY, JOSEPH D

MACIAS, LOUIS ROBERT

SCHULZ, JEFF A

MCKEE, SHAUN

SOPER, WILLIAM S

RODRIGUEZ, ADOLFO

STRINGER, ROBERT S

WILLIAMS, TYLER DANIEL

WALTERS, WILLIAM J WILLIAMS, PATRICK SR

COLLECTIONS III CLASS C CARTER, COLBY A EATON, ZACHARY M

APPLETON, EMILY GRACE

HALL, AARON A

BARNETT, BRANTEN LON

30 Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org

THAMES, MATHEW CLASS D

VANN, KAWANNA WALTMAN, JACKSON ALEX

BERKLEY, DAKOTA BYERLY, BRETT RYAN CANTU, JOSE ALBERTO CARTER, GARRETT EASTON CARTER, WHITNEY ELLEN CIENFUEGOS, JOSHUA CISNEROS, BRIAN COLEMAN COLON-CARABALLO, JAVIER CRUMP, NATHAN JOEL DANNA, LEO DIAZ, FABIAN DICKERSON, MICHAEL SHANE DO, CHRIS P DURAN, DANNY DURAN, PAUL ETCHEGARAY, CALEB GRANT FADNESS, CODY CHRISTOPHER GALVAN, RUBEN JR GONZALES, ALFREDO GOTLIEBSON, JAMES ROBERT GRAY, DEVON GUTIERREZ, JOHN HADNOT, BRODRICK HALEY, KEVIN C

February 2024

With the onset of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the Governor’s Proclamation of a state of disaster in Texas, TCEQ intends to offer flexibility to licensees and disaster in Texas, TCEQ intends to offer flexibility to licensees and applicants who were in applicants who were in the process of renewing or receiving an occupational the process renewing receiving an license and were impacted by this license of and were or impacted byoccupational this outbreak.

With the onset of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the Governor’s Proclamation of a state of

outbreak.

In the interest of safety, paper exams have been cancelled through

2020. However,

Operators desiring to TEST, should contact TCEQ in regards to testing. There there are some computer-based testing centers that remain open. To schedule a are some computer-based testing centers that remain open. To schedule computer-based exam, please contact the CBT centers near you to verify if they are still a computer-based exam, please contact the CBT centers near you to verify operating. other or concerns, please email licenses@tceq.texas.gov. if theyForare stillquestions operating.

For other questions or concerns, please email

licenses@tceq.texas.gov.

Water Systems | Wastewater | Water Storage Tanks | Water Supply | Environmental,

and more.

We are a water resources firm focused on quality services and solutions.

Lubbock | Houston | San Antonio | Austin

Oller Engineering, Inc.

February 2024

Rich Oller, PE | 806.993.6227 rich.oller@oei-eng.com www.oei-eng.com

Texas Water Utilities Journal | www.twua.org 31

WITH GASOLINE $5.00 PER GALLON & HOTEL ROOMS $200.00, ALONG WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF GROUP GATHERINGS, MAYBE COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING IS FOR YOU.

ONLINE TRAINING VISIT WWW.TWUA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US: 888-367-8982