Texas H2O Preconference 2025

Page 1


TEX Sh2o

Conference Highlights | Page 3

Keynote Speaker | Page 9

Women of Water | Page 10

Conference Night Out | Page 13

Gloyna Breakfast | Page 14

WJoin us in Houston for Texas WaterTM 2025!

March 18-21, 2025 » George R. Brown Convention Center

e're excited to invite you to Houston for Texas WaterTM 2025! Texas WaterTM will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston from March 18-21, 2025.

Visit www.txwater.org for more information and to register! Don't miss out on the Largest Regional Water Conference in the U.S.© Early-bird registration ends February 24!

Dedicated volunteers from the Texas Section AWWA and the Water Environment Association of Texas have worked countless hours to make Texas WaterTM 2025, the groups' annual joint conference, a seamless event

that will bring home the knowledge to advance the water and wastewater industry.

Don't miss out on the sold-out Exhibit Hall featuring more than 650 booths, the informative technical sessions and the networking opportunities with thousands of representatives of the Texas water/ wastewater industry!

We hope to see you there!

Here are some conference highlights:

CONTINUED PAGE 22 | texas water 2025

| letter from the texas section chair |

Texas Section

American Water Works Association

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

Karen Menard, Chair 817-493-5195

Marisa Vergara, Chair-Elect 210-494-8004

Mary Gugliuzza, Vice-Chair 817-392-8253

Amy Middleton, Imm. Past Chair 210-510-0888

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 Fax: 512-251-8152 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

Oh, the Places We’ll Go!

This year I celebrate a big milestone— 30 years since my high school graduation. When I look back at my 17-year-old self, I remember feeling both excited and nervous about my future. I knew that I wanted to go to college and major in ... something. Perhaps a math or science related field. One thing was certain, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do for a career path! My most cherished and the most meaningful graduation gift I received that year was from my Aunt Judy, who gave me a copy of the Dr. Suess book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! I remember opening the wrapping, looking at the book and thinking, Wow, she thinks I’m still nine! But, as I read through this seemingly simple children’s book, I quickly realized that it had all the nuggets of wisdom that I needed to help put things into perspective. I am truly grateful for the insight provided by Dr. Suess:

You’re off to great places

KAREN MENARD 817-493-5195 menardke@trinityra.org

Surround yourself with people who share your values, who look at you and think Rockstar!, who raise you up with encouragement and support, and who value you as a person/coworker/friend.

Bang ups and hang ups can happen to you

We will all have many ups and downs, times when we soar and other times when we land flat on our face. People who will cheer for us to succeed and others who will stand by while we struggle. Times when we cross obstacles effortlessly while other times we toil.

The Waiting Place

Some people wait around for things to fall into their lap. Step out of your comfortableness and choose yourself. You are worth it. Make room for it. Choose to invest in yourself. Just like you might choose to finish that degree, or get another one. Volunteerism is the ultimate selfless expression and yet that is a choice we must make—so make it! Stop waiting and choose to give your time, give your talent, and give your voice.

I Can't Wait

The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting. - Andy Warhol

Texas WaterTM is upon us, once again, and I can’t wait to see everyone down in Houston. The first Texas WaterTM I attended was in Houston, back in 2000, so this particular host city holds a special place in my heart. I was co-presenting on a membrane study that had been conducted in Wichita Falls in response to the 1990s drought. I was amazed at the size and scope of the conference. Needless to say, I was hooked and have made every single Texas WaterTM since (with the exception of Texas WaterTM 2003, when my daughter was born the week before).

Preparations have been going on since August with the Houston Local Host team, led by Gabe Mussio (City of Houston) and Liz Fazio-Hale (Gulf Coast Authority), to bring you all another high value conference. All of the Committee Chairs have done a fabulous job of planning and putting in place all of the services and events that you come to Texas WaterTM for. There is no doubt that you will once again be pleased with the value Texas WaterTM provides to you both professionally and personally. If you see one of the host city planning personnel at any time during Texas WaterTM, make sure to give them a huge pat on the back. They deserve it.

Everything you have come to expect from Texas WaterTM will be there, plus a few new things.

We are honored to have visiting dignitaries from AWWA coming down to help greet the attendees of Texas WaterTM and share in the experience of Texas WaterTM. This year, AWWA President Cheryl Porter and AWWA YP Committee Member Chelsea Boozer will be in attendance. Cheryl Porter is the first African American and woman of color to be an AWWA President and she has a wonderful story to tell about that journey from the start of her career to now. After

the Opening Session, make sure to give both Cheryl and Chelsea a large Texas "Howdy" and make them feel welcome to the Lone Star State.

The Exhibit Hall will be brimming with the best manufacturers, equipment, service providers and distributors that Texas has to offer. We will also have a wide range of regulatory and water/wastewater association booths for you to drop by and get the answers to the questions that you need to perform your job. Our newly created "Water Geek" booth will be on display in the Exhibit Hall. Drop by and see the wonderful things that Greg Wukasch (SAWS) and his team are redesigning to bring the water geek message to schools and others across Texas.

danielnix.wf@gmail.com

Make sure to dedicate as much time as you need to walk the Exhibit Hall and see what is out there to help you provide the best water services that you can to your customers. And remember, the Exhibit Hall is so large, you may have to come back multiple times just to see it ALL.

The Technical Program Chairs, Mary Gugliuzza (City of Fort Worth) and Ana Pena-Tijerina (Plummer Associates, Inc.), worked with the various Committees and Divisions within TAWWA and WEAT to review and rank nearly 1,000 abstracts, whittling them down to the best 239 that municipalities, engineering firms and regulatory agencies in Texas have to offer. A new addition to the Texas WaterTM 2025 offering is an

CONTINUED PAGE 30 | executive director report

Advancing the industry

Garver’s team of multidisciplined technical experts, like Dylan Christenson, tackle the toughest water and wastewater challenges. They deliver innovative solutions that move the industry forward and help growing communities here in Texas and across the country.

Dylan Christenson, Ph.D., PE | Texas Wastewater Treatment Leader GarverUSA.com

Texas Water Keynote: Commissioner Tom Ramsey

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey to provide the keynote comments at Texas WaterTM 2025. The address will take place during the Opening Session at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 19.

Ramsey was elected to serve as County Commissioner for Harris County Precinct 3 in November of 2020. With over 44 years of experience as a Professional Engineer serving more than 50 cities and 20 counties in Texas, this award-winning civil engineer turned public servant has a long track record of improving the safety, infrastructure, livability and financial health of the communities he serves.

As Mayor of Spring Valley Village from 2012-2020, Ramsey reduced the city’s tax rate by 21% and oversaw Spring Valley’s climb to becoming the safest neighborhood

CONTINUED PAGE 25 | keynote

Texas Water: Women of Water Breakfast

At the annual Women of Water Breakfast at Texas WaterTM, participants will hear from women leaders in the water industry who will share their career stories, leadership successes and challenges,their thoughts on work-life integration, mentorship and much more! This year, Liz Fazio, General Manager for Gulf Coast Authority, will moderate a panel of women leaders that include Connie Curtis, Director of Technical and Operational Services for San Jacinto River Authority; Tina Peterson, Executive Director for Harris County Flood Control District; and Shay Roalson, Director at Austin Water. Join us for breakfast as these women showcase the difference women can make in our water community,

while also providing a forum for future leaders to network with seasoned professionals.

Entrance is included with Full Registration. Access can be added on for $50 if purchased by Feb. 24; $60 after.

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Texas Water: Conference Night Out

Join Texas Water for an unforgettable evening at Shell Energy Stadium, home of the 2-time MLS Champion Houston Dynamo!  This event promises to be the highlight of the conference, offering stadium tours,networking, fun, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness the gavel passing at 6:15 p.m. on the jumbotron. The Conference Night Out include a stadium tour, 360 photo booth, entertainment, games, deluxe food and bar service (1 drink ticket included, cash bar after).

Access to the Conference Night Out is included with Full Registration. Access is available for purchase at the cost of $100 by February 24; $110 after. The event will be held at Shell Energy Stadium, located at 2200 Texas Street, Houston, TX 77003. Use the Bayou City gate

entrance located on Emancipation Avenue near Walker Street. More transportation details will be available in the conference program.

Texas Water: Gloyna Breakfast

Louis C. Herrin, III will be the featured speaker at the Gloyna Breakfast at 7 a.m. on Friday, March 21.

Herrin is the Wastewater Permitting Technical Support Lead in charge of the Domestic Wastewater Plans Review and the Water Reuse programs, as well as the Technical Lead of the Homeland Security Program for the Water Quality Division at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

He started his career with the Texas Department of Water Resources (predecessor of TCEQ) in February 1981. Herrin’s work at TCEQ has included drafting wastewater permits for municipalities, industrial facilities and agriculture operations, and starting the TCEQ’s Domestic Biosolids Program. He has drafted

numerous rules for TCEQ, including the rules for Domestic Water Reuse, Design Criteria for Wastewater Treatment Systems, Gray Water, and Biosolids Use, Disposal and Transportation.

Herrin has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Texas. He is the recipient of the Winfield S. Mahlie Award for significant

CONTINUED PAGE 21 | gloyna breakfast

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New! Water License Exam Course at Texas Water

Calling all Water Operators that are preparing to take a TCEQ Licensing Exam. We can Help. Texas Section AWWA will be holding a first of its kind workshop at Texas WaterTM 2025, aimed at improving the pass rate for water operators that take the C, B or A Water License exam from the TCEQ. The Water Licence Exam Prep Workshop will be held on Wednesday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The highest pass rate for licensing exams is typically in the 50% range, or less. This exam preparation workshop is designed to help you learn how to study for the exam, how to prepare the night before, and go over material that you will more than likely encounter on your exam.

The workshop is limited to 50 participants, so register now to ensure that you have a spot. 6 hours of Water CEUs have been requested through the TCEQ. Workshop costs $200 by Feb. 24; $240 after; and includes a boxed lunch and access to the Exhibit Hall after the workshop ends. You can sign up for the workshop as a standalone registration or add it onto a Full Conference Registration at www.txwater.org

Cheer on our Competitors at Texas Water!

Texas AWWA hosts several competitions at Texas Water, and the winners will continue on to represent TAWWA at the AWWA ACE25 competition in Denver, Colorado in June.

The TAWWA competition schedule is:

Hydrant Hysteria: Wed., March 19 & Thurs., March 20

9:30 am-4 pm, Exhibit Hall

If you’re trusted to

Junior Meter Challenge: Wed., March 19

1 pm-2:30 pm, Exhibit Hall

Meter Challenge: Wed., March 19

2:30 pm-4:30 pm, Exhibit Hall

Top Ops: Thurs., March 20

9:30 am-1:30 pm, Exhibit Hall

Pipe Tapping: Thurs., March 20

9:30 am-4 pm, Exhibit Hall

Best-Tasting Drinking Water: Thurs., March 20

1:30 pm-3 pm, Exhibit Hall

Please stop by to cheer on your fellow TAWWA members at the conference!

We hope to see you in Houston in March!

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SETH Program Update

The SETH project officially launched early in November 2024. The interest was immediate, with numerous ISDs sending in request within the first few days.

Over the course of the last three months, we have had eight ISDs across Texas start the program, with just over 300 students enrolled. We have an additional six school systems that are considering enrolling their students in the program, which would begin to push our enrollment numbers up.

The Chapter outreach for SETH has been tremendous. We

DOWNSTREAM MAT TERS

contributions to the art and science of wastewater treatment and water pollution control, and the Outstanding Public Official Award from the Water Environment Association of Texas, and the WateReuse Association’s Advocacy Achievement Award.

The breakfast honors the long and distinguished career of the late Earnest F. Gloyna, professor of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Gloyna’s teaching, research and professional practice have touched an unusually large number of students, educators, engineers and the public leadership not only in Texas but throughout the world. Access to the Gloyna Breakfast is $50.

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

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

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 | texas water 2025

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

The day begins at 7 a.m. as players gather at the Wildcat Golf Course for the annual Texas Water Golf Tournament. The tournament raises money for scholarships for TAWWA and WEAT.

At 8:30 a.m., volunteers will gather at Clinton Park for the Curtis Smalley Environmental Event. This year's event is held in partnership with the City of Houston Parks Department and includes planting prairie grasses and wildflowers.

At 1 p.m., the Texas Section's Board of Trustees will hold its annual meeting at the Convention Center in Room 351. All members of TAWWA are welcome to attend the Board meeting.

After the exhibitors have put their booths in order, the Texas Water Exhibit Hall will open at 4:30 p.m. for a Meet-and-Greet reception for attendees.

Texas WaterTM 2025 has officially begun.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

The morning kicks off with the Dodson Drive Fun Run, which benefits the Dodson Drive and raises funds to support TAWWA/WEAT Young Professional activities around Texas.

At 9 a.m. Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey will address the opening session. Read more about Ramsey on page 9.

The Water For People Silent Auction also starts on Wednesday, where you can bid on some wonderful items for a great cause.

A new workshop — Water License Exam Prep — will be offered on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must register for this workshop in advance. It costs $200 by Feb. 24; $240 after, and includes a boxed lunch and access to the Exhibit Hall after the workshop ends. The workshop is offered as a standalone registration option or can be added on to a Full Conference registration.

The Awards Lunch (attendance is limited to Full

Registrants, Wednesday Only registrations or those who purchased access separately) at 11:30 a.m. spotlights TAWWA members who have made special contributions to the industry.

Technical sessions begin their three-day run that afternoon, with more than 230 presentations to choose from throughout the conference. And be sure to check out the research posters displayed near the technical sessions. Wednesday is also the first day for competitions in the Exhibit Hall, with Hydrant Hysteria, Meter Challenge and Junior Meter Challenge. Come cheer on these competitors!

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

The morning starts with the Women of Water breakfast (doors open at 7:15 a.m. – attendance is limited to Full Conference registrants or those who purchased access separately; read more about the event on page 10).

Competitions—including the quiz-show style Top Ops, Pipe Tapping, the Best-Tasting Drinking Water Texas AWWA Annual Board Meeting Tuesday, March 18 1-4 pm Room 351 George R. Brown

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 | texas water 2025

Contest and Hydrant Hysteria—put a fun spin on the day. The Awards Celebration (Full or Thursday Only registrations are required for a box lunch) will be held in Grand Ballroom AB during lunch.

After the Exhibit Hall closes at 4 p.m., it's time to get ready for the night out at Shell Energy Stadium, home of the two-time MLS Champion Houston Dynamo (access is limited to Full Registrants or those who purchased access separately). The Gavel Passing starts at 6:15 p.m. and the mixer begins at 6:30 p.m. Read more about the conference night out event on page 13.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Friday kicks off with the Gloyna Breakfast at 7 a.m., featuring Louis C. Herrin III, the Wastewater Permitting Technical Support Lead in charge of the Domestic Wastewater Plans Review and the Water Reuse programs, as well as the Technical Lead of the Homeland Security Program for the Water Quality Division at the Texas Commission on Environmental

Quality (TCEQ). Aattendance is limited to those who purchased access separately; read more about the Gloyna Breakfast on page 14.

Facility tours (pre-registration required) depart from the Convention Center Friday morning. Back at the conference, the morning is spent in the last of the technical sessions, with the conference adjourning at noon.

For more information and to register, visit www.txwater.org. We look forward to seeing you in Houston!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 | keynote

in Harris County, according to FBI statistics. He was awarded Public Official of the Year by the University of Houston in 2017, named Engineer of the Year by Houston Area Engineering Societies in 2023, received the Distinguished Graduate Award from Zachry Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University in 2023, and named Public Official of the Year by ASCE national in 2024.

As County Commissioner, Ramsey continues to prioritize safer neighborhoods, lowering taxes, and improving infrastructure. In 2022, he launched a Crime Task Force, comprised of over a dozen law enforcement agencies to combat rising crime. He also led the creation of the Safe Schools Commission, which was unanimously approved by all five Commissioners Court members to support school safety. He carried the torch in obtaining $750 million for Harris County from the Texas General Land Office for Hurricane Harvey recovery. Lastly, Ramsey served an integral role in setting the most significant tax revenue decrease, saving taxpayers a quarter-billion dollars.

Ramsey serves as a deacon and teaches two Bible study classes at Second Baptist Houston. He is a native of Crockett, Texas, a resident of Harris County for more than 35 years, and a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He and his wife, Marsha, have three children and seven grandchildren.

Most see an engineer. We see a water expert. olsson.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

Water District) in DFW, that are talking to the multiple ISDs in their areas. I encourage everyone to follow their lead and touch base with the ISDs in the area. Let your ISDs know about SETH and provide them with the brochures TAWWA has available on the SETH website, www.tawwa.org/page/SETH

The TAWWA Education Division is working on a SETH GIS system that can be used to let Chapters know what ISDs in their region are signed up, or are expressing interest. This GIS tool should make it easier for Chapters to perform outreach with the ISDs and provide them with additional opportunities to showcase the benefits of a career in the water industry. As we fine tune the GIS, individual Chapters will start getting more information from the Section about SETH programs occurring in their regions.

I am excited to see the award winning SETH program start to fulfill the goals that it was put together to achieve. I can’t wait to see what it can achieve in its first year, with everyone promoting and supporting it. Keep up the good work.

See upcoming Texas AWWA events in your area at www.tawwa.org/events/event_list.asp

ONE W TER

S U M M I T

When:

Thursday and Friday, May 22-23, 2025

Where:

American Bank Center

1901 N Shoreline Blvd.

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Individual Registration:

$250 TAWWA/WEAT Member

$300 Non-TAWWA/WEAT Member

$150 Government Employee

$150 Student

Registration Deadline: May 1, 2025

For More Information Contact:

Ashley Marion: ashleym6@cctexas.com

Lynette Maynard: lynette.maynard@vectorcag.com

Platinum Sponsor: $5,000 (8 tickets, table signage, and recognition)

Note: One Platinum Sponsorship remaining

Gold Sponsor: $3,000 (6 tickets, table signage, and recognition)

Silver Sponsor: $2,000 (4 tickets, table signage, and recognition)

Bronze Sponsor: $1,000 (2 tickets, table signage, and recognition)

Sponsorship Deadline: May 1, 2025

Schedule:

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Exclusive Sponsor Event

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Networking Event

Nueces Brewing Co.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

8:00 a.m. Event Check-In

9:00 a.m. Welcoming Remarks

9:30 a.m. Reuse Discussion Panel

10:15 a.m. Networking Break

10:30 a.m. US Mexico Water Challenges

11:15 a.m. Legislative Update

12:00 p.m. Lunch

12:45 p.m. Seawater Desalination Panel

1:30 p.m. Carbon Sequestration & Capture

2:00 p.m. Drought Response - Water Suppliers

2:45 p.m. PFAS Update Panel

3:30 p.m. Closing Remarks

Friday, May 23, 2025

8:00 a.m. Event Check-In

9:00 a.m. Welcoming Remarks

9:30 a.m. Consent Decree Panel

10:15 a.m. Elected Official Panel

11:15 a.m. Final Remarks

Note: Agenda subject to change

Register at www.tawwa.org/event/onewatersummit

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

letter from the texas section chair

Imagine what we can do together if we all give freely in service to our communities!

Life’s a great balancing act

It’s OK to not know all the answers. It’s OK to step out of your comfort zone. It’s OK to speak up for yourself and others. It’s OK to try something new. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s OK to ask for help.

Kid, you’ll move mountains

As my time as Section Chair comes to a close, my greatest hope is that I am leaving our Section better than I found it while touching, inspiring, and/or motivating at least one of our members. My one wish for you is that you realize that you are the light within this organization, and you can use your strengths to make Texas AWWA even better. If you are reading this article and thinking that you would like to volunteer—go for

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expansion of the Technical Program to 11 tracks. That means that you now have more to choose from in educational opportunities at Texas WaterTM

The Exhibit Hall will also be the place to watch all of the competitions that occur at Texas WaterTM. You will see everything from the always exciting Pipe Tapping competition, to Hydrant Hysteria, Meter Challenge (including the Junior Meter Challenge) and the Top Ops competition. All of the winners from these competitions will advance to ACE in June to represent Texas against the Nation. Make sure to drop by and cheer these very competent professionals on to a victory.

New to Texas WaterTM this year is a Test Prep Workshop for Water Operators that are about to take their Class C, B or A Water License. This workshop will be taught by Mark Southard (City of Wichita Falls) and Lyn Kisner (Trinity River Authority). They will bring their numerous years of experience to the workshop and provide attendees with the knowledge of material they

may see on their upcoming exam. The Workshop will cover TCEQ guidance, 30 TAC 290 D & F regulations, Calculations, Management, Safety, Laboratory and all of the water treatment courses that are required for the exam. In addition, they will also provide tips on how to prepare for the exam, test taking tips, how to dissect the exam question and will cover unit conversion techniques, so you go into the exam better prepared to succeed.

Another first for Texas WaterTM is the TAWWA Student Design Competition. This has been talked about for numerous years and a wonder team of volunteers finally assembled and got this inaugural event planned out and several Universities signed up to participate. This event would not have been possible if not for the hard work and dedication of Nicole Conner (Kenndy Jenks), Steve Mendoza (Carollo), Christianne Castleberry (Castleberry Engineering), Gabe Trejo (Arcadis), Kyle Swank (Civitas) and Holly Deters (Kimley-Horn). So far, we have four teams that have committed to participating: LeTourneau, Tarleton State, Texas State and University of Texas at Arlington.

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This will be an exciting new addition to what Texas WaterTM has to offer the students that will be entering our water profession soon. Make sure you make it to the awards ceremony for these Student Design Competitions on Wednesday, March 19th at 5:15 pm to see what teams won the top prizes.

Now, you can see why I can’t wait for Texas WaterTM. The Conference continues to grow and provide more value to your membership in AWWA. It takes hundreds of people to help put Texas WaterTM together, and while I have mentioned only a few here, there is no way to list the hundreds of them all. They all recognize the importance of Texas WaterTM and its role in the work that we all perform daily. They come from all corners of our industry: municipalities, engineering firms and equipment providers. They ensure that Texas WaterTM is your one stop shop for networking with water professionals in engineering, operations and equipment supply from all of the great State of Texas, as well as providing an educational experience in the best methods, innovations and technologies that are being developed on a daily basis by those just like you that

are striving to be the best they can be and protecting the public health and economy of Texas. So, register today (www.txwater.org) for one of the largest water conferences in the nation. I cannot wait to see you down in Houston soon.

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining Dec.

Emily Acosta Sachse, TX

David Acquistapace Irving, TX

Morgan Aikins

Emma Bettencourt Lubbock, TX

Anthony Bolivar Sugar Land, TX

Arpita Bose

Christon Butler Houston, TX

Dereck Cardona Rodriguez Cleburne, TX

Call Casarez

Anna Connolly Austin, TX

Leonel Cruz Bee Cave, TX

Vy Dao

1, 2024–Jan. 31, 2025

Dunns Valve Testers Tomball, TX

Kathryn Eckholdt Humble, TX

Rick Ellis Houston, TX

Lindsay Esquivel San Antonio, TX

Anthony Estes Decatur, TX

Lorie Flores Uvalde, TX

Jennifer Flores-Kelly Helotes, TX

Nadia Fuller Tomball, TX

Seth Garcia Denton, TX

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Kasidy Gossen Houston, TX

Jason Gray Melissa, TX

Kerry Greathouse Houston, TX

Marissa Gregory San Antonio, TX

Jesus Guerra Rowlett, TX

Gabriela Guthrie San Antonio, TX

Dante Hale Denton, TX

Julian Hallai Spring, TX

Paria Hamidzadeh Arlington, TX

TAWWA Welcomes New Members Joining Dec. 1, 2024–Jan. 31, 2025

Brandon Hamilton Marshall, TX

Sean Harmon Krum, TX

Charles Hightower College Station, TX

Rene Hinojosa The Woodlands, TX

Taylor Holt Denton, TX

Howard Hughes Holdings, Inc. The Woodlands, TX

Mark Hurd Round Rock, TX

Gaurang JARIWALA League City, TX

Jared Johnston Deer Park, TX

Michael Jones San Antonio, TX

Daniel Lamas Houston, TX

Nick Lentz Canton, GA

Adam Levy Round Rock, TX

Angelica Ann Littles El Paso, TX

Yuejiao Liu Austin, TX

Bryan Lowry Austin, TX

David Macias El Paso, TX

Joseph Majdalani Houston, TX

John Malone Farmers Branch, TX

Nancy Mandujano River Oaks, TX

Michael Mawdsley Houston, TX

Saul Mayen Round Rock, TX

Cody Mayer Austin, TX

Ben McAnally Fort Worth, TX

Rutu Mehta Arlington, TX

Brandon Miller Lubbock, TX

William Miller Grapevine, TX

Marjan Moradi Arlington, TX

Odran Fitzgerald Dallas, TX

Russell Ojers Haltom City, TX

Oracle Energy and Water Rocklin, CA

Gautami Palanki The Woodlands, TX

Mark Palmie Lago Vista, TX

Ryan Picarazzi Rockport, TX

Caleb Rea Fort Worth, TX

Jacob Rivera Sugar Land, TX

Vicki Rummel Austin, TX

Bridgette Salazar Katy, TX

Osama Sarfaraz Houston, TX

Austin Scott Nevada, TX

Jamie Shakar Houston, TX

Cara Shirley Silsbee, TX

Doug Slauson Austin, TX

Janice Sloan Keller, TX

Cameron Snell Euless, TX

Willie Strayhorn Killeen, TX

Crystal Swiere Rowlett, TX

Evana Toll San Antonio, TX

Amanda Tovar Katy, TX

Richard Tramm Porter, TX

Asim Tufail Houston, TX

Michael Van Winkle Kyle, TX

Suby Varughese Fort Worth, TX

Dana Vazquez Houston, TX

Freddy Vega Tulsa, OK

Dallas Wendling Plano, TX

Alex Whritenour New Braunfels, TX

Lauren Willis San Antonio, TX

Elias Yazbeck The Woodlands, TX

Jorge Zambrano Dallas, TX

Typical donations include experiences, gadgets, event tickets, gift baskets, decorative items, collectibles, artwork, gift cards, and cash.

https://www.txwater.org/wfp_auction_submission_2025.cfm

What’s Happening Across Texas

MAR 18-21 Texas Water 2025

MAY 22-23 One Water Summit

Want to share your event with the Texas water community? Contact Daniel Nix, 512-238-9292, or DanielNix.WF@gmail.com. Check the Section’s website, www.tawwa.org, for the latest information on Section activities.

c/o GCP Association Services, LLC

PO Box 676 | Pflugerville, TX 78691

512-251-8101 | (f) 512-251-8152

txh20@tawwa.org | www.tawwa.org

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