TRWA Briefs Previous Article Update In 2019, Quench published an article about irrigation systems. TCEQ had decided to explore whether there was a need to reclassify those systems i.e., health hazard or non-health hazard. Recently, the TCEQ Commissioners voted to leave a potable irrigation system as non-health hazard unless it has chemical injection, in which case it would be classified as a health hazard. This means there was no change in the classification. However, the Commissioners did make numerous changes to the Irrigation Rule 344. The most notable was that Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers can no longer be installed on irrigation systems. A Pressure Vacuum Breaker would be the assembly of choice in those applications. The Rule was voted on in July 2020. For more information access the TCEQ website at www.tceq.texas.gov and type Rule 344 in the search box.
Calling All Texas Rural Water Emerging Leaders Are you an energetic and engaged water/ wastewater utility professional? Don’t miss your chance to participate in TRWA’s professional development and networking program, the TRWA Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). This program is designed for up-and-coming leaders in the Texas rural water industry and combines remote and inperson training specifically designed to enhance leadership, engagement and advocacy. Applications are now being accepted for what will be our third class of Emerging Leaders. Program participants will spend nine months earning leadership development credits for attending live training sessions, webinars, interacting through an online forum, completing monthly assignments and receiving one-on-one coaching from established industry leaders. Participants will also develop and execute an individual local leadership project. In addition to formal professional development, 28
Quench — 2021 - Issue 1
participants also benefit from networking opportunities that enable them to connect with influential leaders in the industry. Program alumni continue to have heightened engagement with TRWA. Our graduates serve on our conference planning committees, are invited to speak at conferences, volunteer at TRWA events and contribute to Quench. We even have program graduates that now serve on the TRWA Board as Directors and Alternate Directors. Program details and applications can be found at www.trwa.org/ELP. We will be accepting applications until April 16 and the program will begin in June. Please contact us at leadership@trwa.org if you or someone you know would be a good fit for this program.
Notice About TRWA Elections In early January, we sent out our annual notice of election for TRWA Board Director and Alternate Director positions, along with Qualification and Consent forms to certify candidates to run in the election. Districts 1, 4, 6 and 14 were to hold regular elections in 2021, with special elections possible in Districts 7 & 8 to fill vacant Alternate Director seats. The deadline to submit Qualification and Consent forms was January 29. We have reviewed all submitted forms and have verified there are no contested races for the seats up for election this year. Per our Board Policies (2.5), we will not print a ballot and an election will not be held in a district in which the races have single unopposed candidates. As such, we will not be issuing absentee ballots by mail or holding elections at the Annual Convention in March. If you have any questions, please contact info@trwa.org.
