Central Office News by Russell Hamilton, TWUA Executive Director
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ather Thank You. Regardless of the challenges, 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, Your calm, Your guidance, and forgiveness. Father, we pray for Your mercy and ask that You direct, protect, watch over, guide, and bless TWUA and its members. Amen In West Texas, Lake Spence is sitting at 27.6 % (- 0.9 %). White River is sitting at 24.6 % (- 2.1 %). Panhandle Lake Meredith is sitting at 38.0 % (- 0.8 %) and Greenbelt is at 18.7 % (- 0.8 %). If you want to get a complete look at current lake levels, go to waterdatafortexas.org. The drought has never left for some. The time for Annual School 2021 is upon us. If your employer allows travel, TWUA will welcome your participation. The 103rd Annual School dates are September 26th – 29th, 2021. I recently visited with the Corpus CVB and Omni hotel, and all indications are this Live, In-Person event will take place as advertised. And as of September 3rd, there were no restrictions. Early Registrations are encouraged just in case occupancy rates in the convention center classrooms become an issue. We do not anticipate any problems but should that happen; attendees will be accommodated by the registration date. Mark your calendar – Fort Stockton will be September 13th – 16th. Annual School will be in Corpus Christi from the 26th – 29th of September. Killeen will be October 18th – 21st. Beaumont will be October 25th – 28th. Lubbock will be November 1st – 4th. Tyler, San Marcos, and Arlington are looking at alternative dates, host locations, and other options. It’s going to be a busy second half of the year. If travel and being in crowds cause you concern, look at the TWUA Computer Based Training options. 6 Texas Water Utilities Journal www.twua.org
Help Spread The Word – if you want to continue to have the option of paper-based exams at TWUA regional events, we need exam numbers to justify TCEQ’s continued participation. Click on this link to find a computer-based testing location. https://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/exams/cbt_occ_lic.html Call the TCEQ staff in licensing for more information or the official statement related to the Exams, Licensing, and Computer-Based Testing. 512-239-6133 Remember – if you have not designated a testing location with TCEQ, you are not through. The Story Goes Something Like This – Two general utility contractors and Bubba were selected to bid on a critical pipe, pump structure, and water storage project in Austin, Texas. The original bid was awarded to a local contractor who never began the project, so the job is being rebid. The first contractor was from Lubbock. The second contractor was from College Station. And Bubba represented East Texas and the underutilized businesses. All three go to the project site to examine the job and get a feel for the obstacles related to the project. The first contractor was a proud engineering graduate of Texas Tech. He arrived at the job site and immediately began measuring, collecting soil samples, calling product representatives, and confirming pricing with sub-contractors. Finally, after a few hours of performing complex calculations with pencil and paper, this contractor stated. I can complete this job in 150 days, and it will cost $4,000,000. That is $3,500,000 for the project and $500,000 profit for my company and me. The second contractor was a proud engineering graduate September 2021
