Oct2012

INSIDE: Save Water, Texas! License Plate Now Available  Page 3

TEXAS H20

September/October 2012

The Official Newsletter of the Texas Section AWWA  THE Water Professionals

SWEET 16 Texas Section names record number of scholarship winners

Elizabeth Allen

Andrea Ayers

Emily Benton

Cynthia Castro

Eric Cherasia

Lauren Fuerst

Candace Georger

Kylee Kitrell

Christina Klaes

Tyler Krueger

Colleen Lyons

Isabel Martinez

Grace Rabalais

David Rounce

Narine Wandrey

Connie Xavier

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TEXASH2O

Letter from the Texas Section Chair

2

By Brent Locke

Texas Section American Water Works Association P.O. Box 80150 Austin, Texas 78708 www.tawwa.org BRENT LOCKE, CHAIR 254-562-5992 CHRISTIANNE CASTLEBERRY, CHAIR-ELECT 512-751-9272 ALISSA LOCKETT, VICE-CHAIR 210-233-3401 DAVE SCHOLLER, IMM. PAST CHAIR 281-558-8700

MIKE HOWE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ SECRETARY-TREASURER 512-238-9292 FAX: 512-238-0496 EMAIL: mikehowe@tawwa.org This publication is distributed monthly to the more than 3,500 members and friends of the Texas Section - American Water Works Association.

Contributing writers can contact the editor: Cliff Avery GCP Association Services PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691 512-251-8101 FAX: 512-251-8152 email: texwater@texas.net The publication name, TexasH2O: © 1996-2012 Texas Section - Amercian Water Works Association, Inc. © 2012 Texas Section - American Water Works Association, Inc.

W

Looking Ahead

ell, we made it through another summer. The weather may be a little cooler, but the drought is still lingering in many parts of Texas. The latest map I saw shows that it couldn’t get much worse in the Rio Grande Valley and parts of the Panhandle.

The Texas Legislature will get a chance to talk about water when it reconvenes in January. In September, Texas House Speaker Joe Straus told the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association that the Legislature is “going to have a unique opportunity to address the huge growth Texas is experiencing.

Water will be at the center of the discussion.”

For the Speaker and many others, water is an economic development issue. “I don’t want to reach a day where a Texas company announces it’s moving to Florida or Ohio because of water issues,” he said.

We at the Texas Section will be at the center of that discussion, too. Our members will continue to serve as a resource for lawmakers and staff so that they have the best information available as they tackle the difficult issues of water policy.

As part of that effort, Texas AWWA will be offering a two-hour Legislative Preview webcast, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 13. This free webcast will offer presentations and discussions by legislators and their staff about the issues facing the water industry.

The webcast has been coordinated by our Legislative Committee Chair Heather Cooke of the City of Austin and our Water Utility Council, chaired by Glenda Dunn of the City of Waco.

Register soon through our website, www.tawwa.org. Again, it’s free, but the information will be invaluable. *

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Many utilities have begun a new fiscal year. As you look forward into 2013, make sure to include Texas AWWA activities to assure your utility’s continued success. Check our website frequently.

If you attend no other event in 2013, make plans to attend Texas Water 2013SM, April 9-12 at the Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center in Galveston. This is where the entire Texas water community comes together to share new ideas. The Local Arrangements Committee, chaired by our Drew Molly and WEAT’s Meera Victor, has been working on the event for months.

We’ve had a record number of abstracts submitted, so you know the quality of information will be at a record high, too.

Look for registration information online and in your email in December.

Water issues highlighted at Texas Tribune Festival AUSTIN — As the Legislature returns for its first session since the driest year in Texas history, leaders must think broadly to assure water for the future.

That was a theme expressed by a panel at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin Sept. 22. The annual festival draws hundreds of attendees to discuss a wide range of public policy issues.

A broad approach to water issues is essential, if only because the problems are so intertwined.

Although the population of Texas is expected to almost double — to 45 million people in 2040 — the state is still using old water policies, some of which were formed when it was a nearly uninhabited colony of Spain, noted former Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Executive Director Andy Sansom.

Sansom, now head of Texas State University’s Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, lamented that those policies treated water differently when it was underground than when it was surface water.

Amy Hardberger of the Environmental Defense Fund, said that policy must “comport with the science of water,” not treating the same substance differently just because it was in different locations.

State Rep. Lyle Larson of San Antonio advocated more aquifer storage and recovery, noting that evaporation of lakes takes a heavy toll on water supplies.

Texas water conservation license plates now available The next car you drive by could be reminding you to conserve water.

After almost ten years since the initial concept, a Texas water conservation license plate is now available for ordering.

Daniel Nix, the Public Utilities Operations Manager for the City of Wichita Falls, has been working with various groups over the past decade to make the “Save Water, Texas!” license plate transform from an idea to a reality.

The idea sparked from discussions on how to develop a statewide campaign to promote water conservation. Due to the size and range of meteorological conditions across Texas, Nix said it was challenging to come up with a “one message fits all” campaign for the state.

CONTINUED PAGE 16  LICENSE PLATE

“Let’s look at what they’re doing [in states] west of Texas. Nobody builds surface water [projects]. They’re putting water underground,” he said.

Larson said that in the Brazos River watershed, six million acre-feet of water are flowing into the Gulf when only a half-million acre-feet are needed for sustainable environmental flows.

“Why aren’t we taking that water out and storing it underground?” he asked.

LCRA Executive Director Becky Motal agreed, “We have to be mindful that water evaporates. More water evaporated out of Lake Travis in 2011 than the City of Austin used.”

But laws and policies are not encouraging aquifer storage and recovery. “If you capture water and store it in an aquifer, and you are not able to get it back out, then there’s not going to be that impetus” to use that strategy, Motal said.

In Texas, the 108-year-old Rule of Capture holds that a landowner can use all the water under his land with little restraint. That rule confounds ASR attempts, Larson said.

“The biggest impediment we’ve got in developing underground water storage is the reluctance of folks to go out and store a high volume of water and then having people using the Rule of Capture to go in and take that water…,” he said. Developing a new approach “is not rocket science. It’s being done in other parts of the country.”

CONTINUED PAGE 21  TRIBUNE

Free webcast Dec. 13 A free webcast on Dec. 13 will focus on the 83rd Legislative Session, which begins Jan. 8 in Austin.

The two-hour webcast begins at 1:30 p.m. and is free to all TAWWA members. Watch your email for more information and the link to the webcast.

Several legislators have been invited to participate and share their thoughts on prospective legislation in areas such as: • • • •

State Water Plan Funding Conservation and Reuse Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program Rate-Making Oversight/Transfer from TCEQ to PUC • Preparing for future endangered species listings For more information, keep an eye on your inbox for messages from TAWWA or consult www.tawwa.org.

TEXASH2O 

By Cliff Avery TEXASH2O

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Executive Director Report

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Worth the read

By Mike Howe TAWWA Executive Director

L

ike anyone else, an awful lot of documents come to me via email or letters. The volume of documents to review just never seems to stop. But recently, and this happens every year about this time, I get to scan, both with my eyes and electronically, all of the applications for our Texas Section Scholarships.

This is one task that is really worth the time.

In this issue, you can learn about the latest sixteen scholarship recipients. This is a record number. Each student will receive $2,000 towards their education this academic year. Now, when I was at the University of Texas here in Austin, $2,000 went a long way. But, as I learned when my three students went to school, and I’m sure many of you have found out, $2,000 doesn’t go anywhere near as far as it should. But, every bit helps.

When the applications come in — and this year we once again had over fifty applications — ­ I have to prepare them for the Scholarship Committee to review. I get the chance to look at the applications, the essays and the accomplishments that many have already achieved before or while they continue in school. Stepping back, I get a real sense of the hope for future achievement that each of these students

has, and senses of how they intend to contribute and even change the world. There is a sense of satisfaction that in our small way, the Texas Section and our members are contributing to that change.

You can imagine the difficulty our Scholarship Committee has in reviewing the applications and determining who will receive a scholarship. Our funds are not unlimited but each year our investments, along with the money earned at Texas Water from the golf tournament, combined with funds contributed by our Chapters, allows us to award a number of $2,000 scholarships. This year, we will award $32,000. This will push our total to nearly one-half million dollars in scholarship over the past 15 years. That’s a pretty good track record.

I know the committee would like to award additional scholarships in the future. But to do that, we have to realize more funds. Here are some ways you can help. If you’re a golfer or want to be a sponsor, or both, be sure to sign up for the Texas Water Scholarship Golf Tournament. We split the net proceeds with our friends at WEAT and they use the funds for their scholarship program. Or, you can make a direct donation to the Texas Section. Just mail us a check! Or you can create a legacy donation for a family member or yourself in the future. Let me know if you have interest in that and we can work with you on that process.

CONTINUED PAGE 22  HOWE

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TAWWA awards record number of 2012 scholarships

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Texas Section has named 16 recipients of 2012 scholarships, the highest number in the Section's history. They are: ELIZABETH ALLEN is a graduate of The Oakridge School in Arlington and is working toward a degree in chemical engineering from Texas Tech University, with plans to obtain a master’s degree in the same field. During high school, she played varsity field hockey, soccer and track. Elizabeth was also a varsity cheerleader, part of the National Honor Society, vice president of her senior class and involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Arlington.

Her AWWA family member is mother Fiona Allen, Northern region manager at the Trinity River Authority of Texas.

ANDREA AYERS graduated from Mansfield Legacy High School and is currently pursuing either a civil or mechanical engineering degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She also plans to earn a master’s degree in engineering. Andrea served as a drill leader and section leader in her high school band, and was involved in her church youth group and choir. Her AWWA family member is mother Tina Hanson, senior associate at Hazen and Sawyer.

EMILY BENTON is a graduate of Pantego Christian Academy in Arlington and is working toward a degree in broadcast communication from Dallas Baptist University, with plans to become a sports reporter. During high school, Emily played varsity volleyball and basketball, and

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was on the varsity cheerleading team. She was also on the yearbook staff and has gone on several mission trips with her church. Her AWWA family member is father Terry Benton, interim director of water utilities at the City of Arlington.

CYNTHIA CASTRO graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in civil engineering and is currently working toward a master’s degree in environmental engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

She plans to continue her education by earning a Ph.D. in environmental engineering. Cynthia would like to work with a firm or organization that focuses on global water issues and to become a professor in the environmental engineering field. At UT, she was involved with Chi Epsilon, the AWWA and WEF student chapters and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Cynthia is a student member of AWWA through the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

ERIC CHERASIA graduated Summa Cum Laude as a dual major in civil and environmental engineering from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in environmental and water resources engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, with plans to continue his education with a Ph.D. He would like to work to advance the field of water treatment technologies and increase the quality and availability of drinking water. Eric is currently involved with both the AWWA and CONTINUED PAGE 10  SCHOLARSHIPS

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Diversity is Diverse

By Ron Tamada Diversity Committee Chair I first became acquainted with the Texas Section American Water Works Association Diversity Committee more than 10 years ago. At that time I thought diversity was working toward having a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds and more representation by women in the water industry. To be sure, that is still a vital part of diversity, but I have come to realize that diversity has many other facets.

It has been said many times that diversity makes AWWA stronger, makes the Texas Section stronger. One of the reasons I think this is true is that diversity adds more and more strands to the fabric of the organization. A bed linen with a high thread count is more durable. It is also more comfortable. Becoming a part of a group is much easier when there are many different backgrounds that one can relate to. And that group will be much more adept at achieving goals and solving problems when it has a range of backgrounds and experiences it can draw upon.

The membership of the Texas Section should include the many racial and ethnic backgrounds living in the state.

The gender makeup should be balanced, if not reflective of our population. Membership should also have representation from the five generations currently in the

workplace – traditionalists, boomers, Gen-Xers, Gen-Yers and Millenials (aka texters). Diversity in workplace experience is also needed – utilities, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers and contractors, vocational and professional.

Organizational size is another aspect of diversity. We need folks from large, medium and small utilities; national and smaller, local engineering firms; big manufacturing companies and small specialty suppliers. And how about geography? We have talented and dedicated individuals in the rain-rich east and the semi-arid west; the Rio Grande Valley and Panhandle; the coastal bend and Hill Country.

Do we encourage membership from rural areas as vigorously as from the large urban/suburban metroplexes?

It can be more challenging to reach the one or two operators in a small town, municipal utility district or water supply corporation, but I think we should try to find a way.

All of this brings me to my point that diversity is diverse. There are many different aspects to consider in trying to become a diverse organization. However, the multiplicity of diversity goals should not make us shy away from striving to reach them. Being aware of the many diversity opportunities is a good starting point; from here we can begin to “eat this diversity elephant one bite at a time.”

The Texas Section AWWA Diversity Committee is working to educate the Section members about becoming an inclusive group and encouraging efforts toward that end. In the spirit of inclusiveness, any Texas Section member is invited to join the committee. Please contact Ron Tamada, committee chair, at tamadar@trinityra.org, or Megan Arnold, committee co-chair, at meg.resources@gmail.com.

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TEXASH2O

Scholarships

WEF student chapters and has been part of the Florida Engineering Society, the Engineering Honor Society, and Habitat for Humanity. Eric is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas at Austin.

LAUREN FUERST is a graduate of Richardson High

10 School and is working toward a degree in neuroscience

from the University of Pittsburgh. During high school, she was on the varsity swim team and the Texas Class 5A All-State Swim Team, and was part of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta math fraternity, Latin Club and Student Council. Lauren also earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and has been active in her church. Her AWWA family member is father Brian Fuerst, senior project manager at CH2M HILL. CANDACE GEORGER graduated from Plano Senior High School and is currently working toward a degree in retail and hotel industry management from Texas Tech University, with a minor in business. She currently serves as secretary of the Tri Delta sorority and is part of the Eta Sigma Delta Hospitality Honors Society and the Young Republicans. Candace has also been involved with Habitat for Humanity, Race for the Cure, Hope Center of Shalom, and fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Her AWWA family member is father James Georger, regional sales manager at Kruger, Inc. KYLEE KITTRELL graduated from Grapevine High

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School and is currently pursuing a combined bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from the University of North Texas. During high school, she was a member of the varsity cross country team, the varsity track team, choir, National Honor Society, French National Honor Society and Student Council. Kylee also earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and has been involved with her church. Her AWWA family member is father Ken Hall, global technology leader at CH2M HILL. CHRISTINA KLAES graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at El Paso and is currently pursing a master's in educational administration from Lamar University. She has taught middle school mathematics for 13 years and would like to earn her master's degree to continue promoting mathematics at the administration level. She has been nominated as teacher of the year and is the school sponsor for UIL Number Sense and Calculator. Christina’s AWWA family member is husband Brian Klaes, with Moreno Cardenas and the Desert Mountain Chapter President.

TYLER KREUGER is a graduate of Miles High School and is currently pursuing a degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech University. He has been involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers, Chi Epsilon, and played on basketball and softball intramural teams. He also enjoys playing golf and tennis. During the summer of 2012, Tyler worked as a civil engineering intern for the City of San Angelo. His AWWA family member is father Kevin Kreuger, water utilities engineering manager at the City of San Angelo Water Utilities.

COLLEEN LYONS graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in materials science in engineering and is currently working towards a master's degree in environmental and water resources engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently the program manager of the DiscoveringSTEM CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE www.kimley-horn.com

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FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

ISABEL MARTINEZ graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in biology and is currently pursuing a master’s in natural resources development from Texas A&M University. She has worked for the Edwards Aquifer Authority for three years as a conservation coordinator, and has been involved in the environmental planning field for about ten years. She is a member of AWWA through the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

GRACE RABALAIS is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy and is currently working towards a degree in arts and technology from the University of Texas at Dallas, with a focus in 3D animation and sound design. In high school, Grace was involved with Habitat for Humanity and the anime club, and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Her AWWA family member is father Gary Rabalais, division manager at Jones & Carter.

DAVID ROUNCE graduated from Villanova University with a degree in civil engineering and is currently pursuing a master's degree in environmental and water resources HydrosertAd_TexasH2O5_12_Layout 4/27/12at2:39 PM Page engineering from the University of1 Texas Austin.

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NARINE WANDREY is a graduate of Claudia Taylor Johnson High School and is pursuing a degree in biology from the University of Dallas. She is involved with Chemistry Club, Mathematics Club, Biology Honors Society and serves as president of the Earth Science and Service Club. She is also the president and founder of the American Society of Microbiology local chapter and an associate member of the National Association of Conservation Districts. She is a student member of AWWA through the University of Dallas.

CONNIE XAVIER graduated from Mansfield Summit High School and is currently attending Texas A&M University, working towards a civil engineering degree. In high school, she was involved in varsity marching band and served as a clarinet section leader. She was part of the National Honor Society and the Health Occupations Student Association. Connie qualified for the TMEA 5A All-State and All-Region bands and was a Ready Writing District Winner. Her AWWA family member is father Cyriac Xavier, assistant superintendent at the City of Fort Worth Water Treatment Plant.

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project, which introduces science, technology, engineering and mathematics to second graders at a high-risk school.

She has also been a member of Society of Women Engineers and is active in UT’s Engineers Without Borders project. She is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas at Austin.

also plans to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental and water resources engineering, focusing his research on the study of virus removal in slow sand filters. He has been involved with Engineers Without Borders while at Villonova University and UT Austin, serving as project manager of two international projects and technical lead on another.

He is a student member of AWWA through the University of Texas at Austin.

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Young Professionals demonstrate leadership at ACE12

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TEXASH2O

Dallas was the host city for this year’s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE), where local Young Professionals (YPs) demonstrated leadership and encouraged others to become involved.

For the first time at ACE, AWWA held an all-day workshop specifically designed for YPs entitled “Investing in Your Career – AWWA YP Leadership Workshop” on 12 Sunday June 10. This workshop featured top-notch presenters from local utilities, such as Fiona Allen with the Trinity River Authority of Texas and Mary Gugliuzza with the City of Fort Worth Water Department. It was attended by more than 50 people.

The workshop included a networking event where the incoming AWWA President, Charlie Anderson, and AWWA Past Presidents, including Katie McCain, greeted YPs and welcomed them to the start of an outstanding conference.

After the workshop, the YPs gathered for a scavenger hunt throughout the ACE Exhibit Hall and an awards ceremony was held for the teams that participated. The North Central Texas Chapter of AWWA sponsored the awards for the scavenger hunt including trophies and bandanas featuring the AWWA YP logo.

On Tuesday, June 12, the YP Fresh Idea poster session and the Meet and Greet reception took place. Several Texas YPs assisted with the judging of the posters. It was a great

opportunity for YPs to show involvement and encourage others to do the same. The YP Meet and Greet reception was well attended and allowed YPs to network with other professionals of the industry.

David Rounce, a University of Texas at Austin student showcasing his poster during the YP Fresh Ideas poster session at ACE12.

The YP Committee Meeting was held on Wednesday, June 13, and allowed YPs from all over the country to get together and discuss topics related to involvement in AWWA and encouraging participation. The meeting focused on developing ideas to increase YP participation at the local level as well as the national level in standards or other committees. Several YPs from Texas attended the committee meeting and made their voice heard.

AWWA’s Executive Director, David LaFrance, speaking to YPs during the YP Committee Meeting at ACE12.

Texas YPs Uday Sant (left), and Stefanie Massey (middle left) network with other industry professionals at the YP Workshop on Sunday during ACE12.

These initiatives focused on YPs at ACE proved to be a success, with the help of local Dallas YPs involved in AWWA. If you are a YP looking to be involved in

TAWWA, now is the best time! Contact Letty Gomar at letty.gomar@aecom.com to find out how you can help.

We are proud to continue this partnership through incoming AWWA President, Charlie Anderson, as well as our strong Texas leadership

AWWA President: Charlie Anderson Deputy Trustee: Chris Varnon Water Quality & Technology Division Leader: Steven Lynk Water Conservation and Reuse Division Leader: Roger Schenk, Jr.

TEXASH2O ď ľ

CDM Smith has supported AWWA for more than 50 years in its mission to improve global water quality and supply

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TWDB allocates $81 million for community loan program The Texas Water Development Board has announced it is allocating $81 million for fiscal year 2013 for projects funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. The program is funded through grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state matching funds. EPA recently announced its $57 million grant to TWDB for this year's program.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) provides loans for communities at below-market interest rates and offers loan forgiveness to disadvantaged communities, green projects and very small systems as an incentive to make projects more affordable and encourage sustainable, green practices.

This year, TWDB initiated a pilot program that helps very small water systems (populations of 1,000 or fewer) launch projects that address public health compliance, water quality, or water quantity issues. These systems can receive up to $200,000 in loan forgiveness toward their project.

Over the past decade, TWDB has provided over $1 billion dollars in financial assistance through the DWSRF, funding both large and small drinking water projects like these.

Edwards Aquifer Authority names new general manager The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) Board of Directors has named Roland Ruiz its general manager. Ruiz had been serving as interim general manager.

“The board felt very positive about offering the fulltime general manager position to Mr. Ruiz,” board chairman Luana Buckner said. “He knows the region well and in his tenure with the EAA he has proven himself as a highly capable leader who can build relationships with our stakeholders across the region and represent the agency and its mission effectively.”

Ruiz has been with the EAA since May 2006 and previously served as assistant general manager for communications and external affairs. He is a native of South Texas with more than 20 years experience in public affairs and communications in both the private and public sectors.

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TEXASH2O

License Plate

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That’s where he came up with the idea for a specialty license plate.

“It gets the message across to everyone in the state, no matter where you live or your climate,” Nix said. “It gets the message out all over the state because it’s mobile, and it’s basically free for the state because they don’t have to 16 pay the advertising fees.”

Having an idea and getting that idea developed are two entirely different things, as Nix discovered in the process.

Getting the license plate created involved assistance from several different groups, including the Texas American Water Works Association, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To make the license plate a reality, Nix worked with several organizations to raise $8,000 for a deposit to the state to cover the production startup costs. While raising the funds, they worked on the license plate design and slogan. According to Nix, the most challenging part of the process was finding a state sponsor to handle the funds generated by the license plate sales.

It was decided that the funds would go toward supporting TAWWA scholarships. However, the Texas DMV couldn’t transfer funds directly to TAWWA, as it’s a non-state agency. Nix had to find a state sponsor that

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would accept the funds from the sales of the plates, and, by mutual agreement, transfer the funds to TAWWA. After several attempts to find a sponsor for the project, the DMV suggested he try the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

“They loved the idea of TAWWA using the funds for scholarships and were interested in helping,” said Nix. “However, they had particular criteria for the funds that had to be met before they would agree to act as our sponsor. The TAWWA was able to comply with all of their criteria, and so they agreed to be our sponsor.”

Out of the $30 fee for the specialty plate, $22 will go back into the TAWWA scholarship fund.

“Scholarships, I believe, will generate the most value in return for the dollars spent,” Nix said. “Texas will benefit greatly from those that utilize this scholarship money. The money spent every year supporting education will generate innovative ideas that will save Texas and Texans millions of dollars in the future.”

The license plates are available for purchase for passenger vehicles, motorcycles and trailers online through TAWWA's special web link that will direct you to the online ordering page, www.conservetxwater.org. You can also order the specialty plate at your county tax office.

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Texas ranks high in state water conservation scorecard

TEXASH2O 

Texas tied with California for the highest score in the Alliance for Water Efficiency and the Environmental Law Institute's water efficiency and conservation state scorecard. Both states were given an "A-", while the average grade of all 50 states was a "C." The organizations released the final version of The Water Efficiency and Conservation State Scorecard: An Assessment of Laws and Policies in September. This research project was funded in part by a grant from the Turner Foundation.

The report identifies state level water efficiency, conservation policies and laws from every state. To gather the information, a survey was sent out that included questions regarding plumbing fixture standards, water conservation requirements related to water rights, water loss control rules, conservation planning and program implementation, volumetric billing for water, funding sources for water efficiency and conservation programs, and technical assistance and other informational resources.

Based on this data, the project team gave each state a grade based on its practices. A full breakdown of the scores can be viewed in the report. Survey details for each state can be found on the State Water Efficiency and Conservation Policy Information page in the AWE Resource Library.

For more information and to download a copy of The Water Efficiency and Conservation State Scorecard, visit www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org.

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John Kubala presented with award at NCT chapter meeting

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Creating a better water environment.

• Austin • Dallas • Ft. Worth • Houston • San Antonio • Laredo • Midland • Corpus Christi • El Paso • Lufkin

Offices Worldwide www.arcadis-us.com

The North Central Texas Chapter (NCT-AWWA) held its bimonthly meeting on August 16 at the Texas Star Conference Center in Euless.

Christopher Harder, with the City of Fort Worth, gave a presentation entitled, “Assessment of Water System Risk Posed by Power Outages.” The meeting was attended by 70 members and Christopher Harder with sponsored by CDM Smith, GAI, the City of Fort Worth, gave a presentation at and Kennedy/Jenks Consultants. the North Central Other notable meeting business Chapter meeting. included a presentation of an award

by Katie McCain to John Kubala, former director of Arlington Water Utilities, for his dedication and service to AWWA and the engineering community.

The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 25 at the Texas Star in Euless. The social will start at 11:15 am and the lunch/presentation will start at 12:00 pm. The presentation title of the next meeting is “Distribution System Evaluation using Hydraulic Modeling and System Operations Data” and the speakers will be Shahrzad Tavana, City of Plano, and Ferdous Mahmood, NCT AWWA President Adriano Vieira, John Kubala, and Katie McCain, TAWWA Malcolm Pirnie/ ARCADIS. Awards Committee Chair.

Save the Date Texas Water 2013SM April 9-12, 2013 Moody Gardens | Galveston

Topics:

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 12:00PM – 1:30PM

19

Join us for a webinar focused on non‐potable water reuse and the Chapter 210 Rules. Topics to be discussed include the basics of why a utility would operate a non‐potable water system, how to get started, explanation of commonly misunderstood requirements, and new developments. With recent drought conditions, many utilities have developed or expanded their non‐potable water reuse systems. In support of this industry growth, WEAT, TAWWA, and WateReuse Texas have teamed up to provide an education opportunity.

Speakers:

• • •

Louis C. Herrin III, PE, TCEQ Bob Johnson, PE, MWH Americas Brad B. Castleberry, Lloyd Gosselink Attorneys

Go to www.weat.org for online registration Single User  Multi‐site User

$15 $40

METHOD OF PAYMENT

 CHECK

 MC

 VISA

AMEX

Credit Card No.: _____________________________

Name:________________________________________

Expiration Date: _____________________________

Title:__________________________________________

Card Holder Name:___________________________

Company:______________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ City:________________________

State: __________

Zip:___________ Phone:__________________________ Email:

TEXASH2O 

Non‐Potable Water Reuse Webinar

Signature:___________________________________ Send Registration Form with Payment to: WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS 1825 Fort View Road, Suite 102 Austin, TX 78704 Phone (512) 693‐0060, Fax (512) 693‐0062, Email: Julie@weat.org

CANCELLATION POLICY: Refunds will be given, minus $2 handling fee, if registrant cancels in writing 3 days before program date.

Questions for our speakers can be submitted in advance to Jennafer.Covington@ch2m.com PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS AFTER REGISTERING TO ENSURE YOU RECEIVE YOUR UNIQUE LOGIN INFORMATION WITH GOTOWEBINAR.

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TAWWA Customer Service Workshop

November 8 – 9, 2012 Crowne Plaza Hotel  700 Ave. H  Arlington, TX 76011 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

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November 8 8-10:15 am 10:30-10:45 am 10:45-11 am 11-11:30 am

11:30-Noon Noon-1 pm 1 - 5:30 pm

November 9 7-8:30 am 9-10 am 10:15-11:15 am 11:15-11:30 am

Registration Welcome Announcements Video Presentation: Winning Customer Service, Eliminate Customer Turnoffs Team Building Exercise Lunch (included) Breakout Sessions: ● Delinquency and Collection ● Dealing with Difficult Customers ● Open Forum Breakfast General Session: Guest Speaker General Session: Guest Speaker Conference Wrap-up & Door Prizes

***Registration includes lunch Thursday and breakfast Friday Don’t forget the Share Table! Bring copies of your City or Utilities printed information used to update or notify customers of services provided, copies of other printed material used to educate the public along with any “freebies” the utility provides to its customers. Bring enough to share and feel free to take others’ ideas back with you and share.

A block of rooms is available at the Crowne Plaza Arlington at a special TAWWA rate of $92/night.

Contact the Crowne Plaza Arlington to make a reservation at 817-394-5200.

Name:______________________________________________________________________________ Email (required for processing):__________________________________________________________ Title:_______________________________________________________________________________ Organization:________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:________________________________________________________________________ Work Phone:_________________________________________________________________________ Registration Fee: Bill my credit card:

❑ $150.00 ❑ AMEX

❑ MC

❑ VISA

❑ DISCOVER

Card Number:_________________________________________________ Exp. date:______________ CVS Code (3-digit code on back of MC/Visa; 4 digit on front of AMEX):___________________________ Name on Card:_______________________________________________________________________ Billing Address:_______________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:________________________________________________________________________ Signature:___________________________________________________________________________ ❑ Enclosed is my check payable to “Texas Section AWWA”

Mail form and payment to:

Texas Section AWWA c/o GCP Association Services

P.O. Box 676

Pflugerville, TX 78691

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.TAWWA.ORG OR FAX YOUR FORM TO 512-251-8152 TODAY!

You may fax your registration and mail the check (along with a copy of your registration form).

Payment must be received prior to the conference.

For site information and maps, go to the TAWWA website: www.tawwa.org

Tribune

TEXASH2O 

Larson, returning to an argument he used as keynote speaker at Texas Water 2012SM, urged that Texas policymakers reach out to Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana for new water sources. He said that, through a state-to-state approach, Texas may be able to make a water deal attractive to its neighbors.

Already, Port Arthur refinery interests are working to access Sabine River water via the Lower Neches River Authority. Larson said that the water could be taken another 25 miles to the Trinity River.

“That’s the holy grail of Texas water. The State of Texas needs 600,000 acre-feet into the Trinity basin, and you protect the industrial complex in the Houston area for the next century,” the lawmaker said.

But people are sensitive when it comes to transferring water. As moderator Danny Reible of UT Austin noted, it’s not so much “Not In My Back Yard” resistance as “Not Out of My Back Yard.”

Hardberger cautioned that when water gets transferred, responsibility goes with it.

“When you start talking about transferring water, all of a sudden, the level of accountability increases about how the people who are benefitting from the water are using [it],” she pointed out.

East Texans, for example, resisted having the region’s water going to the Metroplex “if Dallas was going to be using it for lawns and golf courses.”

from Page 3

“It just simply doesn’t make sense to be taking all that water and treating it to drinking water standards to put it on turf grass,” she said.

Sansom said that a cultural shift is necessary to address water problems. He said that in the 1950s Drought of Record, a much smaller Texas population – still involved in 21 farming and ranching – felt the impact.

“When the drought got bad, everybody knew it. Today, I think our people believe that – as long as you go into the kitchen or into the bathroom and turn on the tap and water comes out of it – everything is okay.”

“People don’t understand the value of water,” Motal agreed, “That’s what it’s going to take to get the State Water Plan and get the projects done. Finding a project, borrowing the money — those are the easy parts. Having people want to pay for that is an entirely different story.”

Offices in Austin, College Station, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio WeKnowWater@BV.com Consulting • Engineering • Construction • Operation | www.bv.com

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Waco presents high school utility training program to Virginia Section

22

The City of Waco's Teresa Bryant and Glenda Dunn present the water utility training program that is part of the A.J. Moore Academy in Waco at the Virginia Section Meeting in Virginia Beach on Sept. 10. The training program offers high school seniors the opportunity to receive both classroom and field training, and upon completion of the program, students are able to take the state water licence exam.

Howe

from Page 4

Or we have a new way that not only supports our Scholarship Program, but lets you support our water community at the same time.

After many years of trying, our own Daniel Nix and Charlie Maddox have successfully worked through the process, and in cooperation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, created a Water Conservation License plate. This specially designed license plate is unique to Texas and was actually designed by Daniel Nix. When you purchase these plates for your car, truck, motorcycle or trailer, “from the $30 specialty plate fee, $22 goes to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to provide additional scholarship funds to the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association to benefit the next generation of water professionals.” How cool is that?

With one click of your mouse, you can support our Scholarship program, support water conservation in Texas and do something you have to do anyway – license your car.

To make it even easier, we have created a special web link that will take you to the online ordering page. Just go to www.conservetxwater.org to purchase your license plate.

Do it now. How can you resist?

And by the way. We have a great Scholarship Committee who work extremely hard under very tight deadlines to review the applications. So, a big thanks to them. If you want to see who they are AND the name of the Scholarship Recipients, go to www.tawwa.org and follow the link.

Want to share your event with the Texas Water Community?

Contact Mike Howe, 512-238-9292; fax 512-238-0496.

Check the Section’s website — www.tawwa.org — for the latest information on Section activities.

DATE

ACTIVITY

TIME

Nov. 8-9 TAWWA Customer Service Workshop

LOCATION

INFORMATION

Crowne Plaza Hotel Arlington

www.tawwa.org

Dec. 12

Non-Potable Water Reuse Webinar

12 - 1:30 pm

www.weat.org

Dec. 13

Free TAWWA Legislative Webcast

1:30 - 3:30 pm

www.tawwa.org

Feb. 25-28

2013 Membrane Technology

Conference and Exposition

April 9-13 Texas Water 2013

Blowers Blower Packages Digester Aeration Overhauls Filter Backwash

866-424-7622

www.airmac.com

Henry B. Gonzalez Center San Antonio

www.awwa.org

Moody Gardens Galveston

www.texas-water.com

TEXASH2O 

Texas Section Calendar

23

TEXAS AWWA c/o GCP Association Services, LLC PO Box 676 Pflugerville, TX 78691

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