Conference Agenda

Exhibitor Registration and Setup

TWDB Open House Meeting Level 1
Come meet our staff and learn more about our program areas.

Attendee Registration Meeting Level 1

Pre-conference Workshops (Registration required)

Financial Assistance Workshop (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
TWDB program coordinators will present on financial assistance programs for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and flood infrastructure funding, and staff will be available to meet with attendees and answer questions.

Enhancing Flood Resilience: An Overview of TWDB Flood Science Efforts (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 104, Meeting Level 1
The TWDB’s Flood Science and Community Assistance Division will provide a comprehensive overview of ongoing flood modeling efforts, including statewide base level engineering products. Additionally, various flood science research projects will be highlighted, such as benefit-cost analysis, future precipitation data, agriculture flood loss quantification and tool, and other means to enhance flood resiliency in Texas. Staff will be available to answer questions.

Welcome Reception and Networking Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Exhibit Booths Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

TWDB Interactive Space Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Attendee Registration Meeting Level 1

Continental Breakfast Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Exhibit Booths Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

TWDB Interactive Space Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Opening General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Population Growth in Texas: A Glimpse into the Future As the Lone Star State continues to flourish, there is an emphasis on the importance of continued investment in water infrastructure to accommodate the booming population. Texas Demographer Dr. Lloyd Potter will reveal the demographic trends and projections in the state and the impacts on water's future. Keynote Speaker: Lloyd B. Potter, Ph.D.

Breakout Sessions

The Past, Present, and Future of Direct Potable Reuse in Texas Zlotnik 5/6
According to the 2022 State Water Plan, reuse accounted for nearly 4 percent of total water supplies for Texas in 2020 and is expected to grow to approximately 14 percent by 2070. Implementing direct potable reuse contributes significantly toward a sustainable water future for Texas. Learn how some Texas communities have implemented this water supply strategy and explore critical factors that impact its success. Moderator: Ellen McDonald, Ph.D., P.E., Plummer Panelists: Jeffrey Meadows, P.E., Garver; Allison Strube, P.E., Colorado River Municipal Water District; Gilbert Trejo, P.E., El Paso Water

Reuniting the Hydrologic Cycle: Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
Groundwater and surface water are interconnected and interactive in many parts of Texas. However, this relationship is not always reflected in how we measure, manage, and allocate our water resources, from water rights and laws to planning to technical tools; these waters are treated differently. What can we do to better understand the intimate connection between our aquifers, lakes, and rivers? Join this discussion to explore the challenges of managing separated waters and the opportunities to reunite the hydrologic cycle to ensure a secure water future for Texas. Moderator: John T. Dupnik, P.G., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Alan Day, Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District; Sharlene Leurig, Fluid Advisors; Robert Mace, Ph.D., P.G., Meadows Center for Water and the Environment; Carlos Rubinstein, RSAH2O, LLC

Back to the Innovation Future: Chief Innovation Officers Behind the Wheel Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Investing in innovation can help the water sector compete with tomorrow's growth and lay the foundational framework to inspire innovative thinking. Hear from chief innovation officers at forward-thinking water utilities and learn how they’re driving opportunities for innovation to improve effectiveness, meet workforce needs and expectations, and reduce costs. Moderator: Tonya Miller, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Robert Bornhofen, Ph.D., DC Water; Leslie Jansen, Austin Water; Tanja Rauch-Williams, Ph.D., P.E., Metro Water Recovery

Environmental Transactions: Evaluating the Texas Water Trust (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 104, Meeting Level 1
Increasing water scarcity has contributed to declining streamflow, aquifer levels, and inflows to bay and estuary systems that threaten Texas freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. The Texas Water Trust is a tool to increase voluntary environmental flow protections but has experienced limited success in its nearly 30 years. Most recently, the 87th Legislature (2021) authorized the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to encourage and facilitate dedications of water rights to the Trust. This panel will provide an overview of the Texas Water Trust, shedding light on its development and challenges, and discuss future opportunities to achieve its goals. Moderator: Jennifer Walker, Texas Coast and Water Program at the National Wildlife Federation Panelists: Kyle Garmany, Texas Water Trade; Myron Hess, Law Office of Myron Hess PLLC; Marty Kelly, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Morning Break

Breakout Sessions

Filtered Down: Exploring Wastewater Reclamation for Aquifer Management Zlotnik 5/6
Water scarcity is one of the greatest challenges we face today, requiring a variety of approaches to anticipate and meet the needs of future generations. Ongoing drought, increased water demand, and population growth continue to stress aquifer and groundwater supplies across the state. Join panelists to discuss how pairing reclaimed wastewater with aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery could address mounting water demands. Moderator: Lorrie Council, P.G., Ground Water Protection Council Panelists: Andrea Croskrey, Texas Water Development Board; Keisuke Ikehata, Ph.D., P.E., Texas State University; Michael Milczarek, GeoSystems Analysis, Inc.

The One Water Movement: Gaining Momentum in Texas Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
One Water is a holistic management approach that works to utilize every drop of water and is making strides in Texas. Attend this session to learn how One Water applications can benefit your water system, your community, and the state's overall water supplies. Explore current One Water trends and the vision for a sustainable water future beyond our lifetimes. Moderator: Mami Hara, US Water Alliance Panelists: Marisa Bruno, Hill Country Alliance; Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Austin Water; Jenna Walker, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

What Lies Beneath: Updates on Lead Inventories and Funding Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Attend this session for an update on the results of Texas' lead service line inventories, what to expect with the new lead and copper rule, and considerations around PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Panelists will share opportunities and success stories and discuss the path forward to fund and implement projects. Moderator: Scott Galaway, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Jonathan Cuppett, 120Water; Laura Higgins, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; Jason Knobloch, Texas Rural Water Association

Bridging Data Silos: Collaboration in the Water Sector Room 104, Meeting Level 1
In a state where we are continuously facing critical water issues, imagine the future we could unlock with better decision-making through data and collaboration. Reliable data allows us to work with greater certainty, efficiency, and impact. Find out how these panelists are using water data to make informed decisions and, more importantly, how they are building partnerships to make accessing data easier. Moderator: Taylor Christian, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Ben Eldredge, Cibolo Conservancy; Stacy Timmons, New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources; Gregory Waller, National Weather Service West Gulf River Forecast Center

Luncheon Grand Ballroom, Meeting Level 3
(Lunch ticket required.)

From Screen to Stream: The Impact of Art, Film, and Storytelling An inspiring panel of impact-driven Texans focused on how art, film, and storytelling can resonate with audiences, influence water awareness and conservation and, ultimately, drive behavior change. Distinguished filmmakers Ben Masters and Jay Kleberg will candidly discuss their experiences and encourage Texas water leaders to welcome a new perspective on how to reach their communities. Moderator: Sarah Rountree Schlessinger, Texas Water Foundation Panelists: Jay Kleberg, Gulf of Mexico Trust; Ben Masters, Fin and Fur Films

Breakout Sessions

Investing Capital: PPPs Funding the Future Zlotnik 5/6
Rising costs of infrastructure, increasing water demands, and governmental constraints have led to greater need for non-traditional financing structures. Public-private partnerships have grown in popularity as a method to leverage private-sector funds to meet public needs, but there are few such partnerships in Texas to implement imperative water projects. This session will explore how Texas communities can pursue collaborations to develop water infrastructure projects and how project risks and responsibilities can be negotiated. Moderator: Nancy Richards, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Stephen Auton-Smith, Ernst & Young Infrastructure Advisors, LLC; Michael Esparza, City of Alice; Michael Irlbeck, EPCOR

Leading the Way: A Texas-Sized Flood Planning Effort (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
Texas leads the nation with its groundbreaking inaugural state flood plan. The unique, bottom-up process has revealed important data about flood risk, solutions, and implementation costs. This panel will discuss the plan’s flood risk management recommendations aimed at reducing loss of life and property due to flooding and will compare practices from other states and abroad. Moderator: Reem Zoun, P.E., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Baukje 'Bee' Kothuis, Ph.D., Netherlands Business Support Office, Texas; Jack Krolikowski, American Flood Coalition; Tina Petersen, Ph.D., P.E., Harris County Flood Control District; Travis Pruski, Nueces River Authority

Give Them Something to Talk About: Extraordinary Tactics to Engage Your Audience Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Attend this session to learn how unique approaches, such as artists-in-residence programs and wall murals, can build trust in the community, broaden your audience, and initiate conversations about the importance of water. Also learn how investing in an effective communications team can lead to impactful strategic outreach efforts that can improve public perception and help address sensitive subjects. Moderator: Samantha Villegas, Raftelis Panelists: Kelley Dearing-Smith, Louisville Water; Natalie DeRoock, Tucson Water; John Gonzalez, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

#Twinning: Mirroring the Real World with GIS (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 104, Meeting Level 1
From schools and water treatment plants to other essential infrastructure and flood mitigation applications, the ability to create a real-time digital representation—or digital twin—is revolutionizing many industries with this advanced technology. With new data to improve systems and planning, the opportunities for the water sector are endless. This discussion will look at examples of digital twins in action and explore the challenges and benefits of implementing this tool. Moderator: Richard Wade, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Keith Owens, Fugro; Suzanne Pierce, Ph.D., Texas Advanced Computing Center at the University of Texas at Austin; Elizabeth Savage, P.E., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Texas Community Watershed Partners Project Office

General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Tomorrow's Texas: Thirst for Growth Meets Water Supply Realities (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)
Developers, manufacturers, and water providers will come together to discuss some of the state’s growing pains in the context of water resources and water infrastructure development. Moderator: Brooke T. Paup, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Panelists: Robert Allen, Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership; Scott Norman, Texas Association of Builders; Zac Rosenbaum, P.E., Samsung Austin Semiconductor; Alia Vinson, Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP

Afternoon Break

General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Hot Topics in Texas Water: Forging a New Frontier (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)
The water challenges in Texas are as diverse as its geography. Join water leaders from a variety of Texas organizations to share insights on the key issues and hot topics facing Texas. Moderator: L'Oreal Stepney, P.E., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Heather Harward, Texas Water Supply Partners; Stacey Allison Steinbach, Texas Water Association; Lara Zent, Texas Rural Water Association

Networking Reception Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Attendee Registration Meeting Level 1

Exhibit Booths Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

TWDB Interactive Space Open Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Continental Breakfast Zlotnik Family Ballroom Pre-function Area

Breakout Sessions

Pass the Salt: Deciphering Desalination Zlotnik 5/6
Brackish groundwater and seawater are largely untapped water sources with great potential. As more communities consider brackish and/or seawater desalination as a strategy to meet future water needs, there are some challenges to overcome. This panel will examine the role of desalination in Texas' water future and the technologies and innovations that shape its path to implementation. Moderator: Tom Pankratz, Global Water Intelligence Panelists: Charles Ortiz, P.E., Laguna Madre Water District; Art Ruiz, El Paso Water; Shane Walker, Ph.D., P.E., Texas Tech University

Nature-based Solutions: New Shades of Green Infrastructure (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
Nature-based solutions can build a community's flood resiliency, enhance water quality, and improve the overall quality of life in a watershed. This panel will provide an update on the TWDB‘s statewide guidance manual on the application of nature-based solutions for flood mitigation in Texas, discuss opportunities and challenges of implementing these solutions, and share insights and experiences from practitioners across the state. Moderator: Kelley Rich, P.E., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Krista Bethune Melnar, P.E., Freese and Nichols, Inc.; Jonathan Holley, Harris County Flood Control District; Joshua Oyer, Texas General Land Office; Charriss York, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The Water-Energy Nexus: Balancing Water Needs with Hydrogen Production Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Water is used in all phases of energy production and electricity generation, and hydrogen is expected to play a vital role in the future of energy systems. Texas is well positioned to lead the nation in hydrogen development with federal funding spurring new hydrogen plants in water-stressed areas of the state. Panelists will discuss hydrogen production's impacts on water resources and systems. Moderator: Margaret Cook, Ph.D., Houston Advanced Research Center Panelists: Emily Beagle, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin; Jason Coleman, P.E., High Plains Underground Water Conservation District #1; Susan Shifflett, Texas Hydrogen Alliance

Breakout Sessions

Technology Toolbox: Water Management in the Digital Age Zlotnik 5/6
This panel will examine the potential of AI and the adoption of digital tools in water management. Many industries are considering the integration of digital twin technology, drones, and other innovations to solve complex issues while recognizing the need for effective data management and robust cybersecurity. Experts will discuss the risks of technological stagnation and share practical advice for embracing digital advancements. Moderator: Barry Liner, Ph.D., P.E., The Water Council Panelists: Greg Eyerly, Houston Public Works; Richard Loeffler, Xylem

Could You, Would You, Should You? Perspectives on Groundwater Exportation (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)
Amphitheater 204, Meeting Level 2
From dry, arid hills to humid bayous and wetlands, Texas' landscape represents 10 diverse ecoregions and massive variations in water availability, population, and development. This panel will deliberate how water can be moved to where it’s needed as well as the feasibility and implications that should be considered, such as future needs and impacts to local economies. Moderator: Natalie Ballew, P.G., Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Natasha Martin, Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody, PC; Jeremy Mazur, Texas 2036; Shannon Rutherford, Terrill & Waldrop

Dr. Ecosystem: Improving Health and Providing Benefits (1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
Room 103, Meeting Level 1
Ecosystem restoration projects can improve the health of watersheds and provide measurable benefits to communities, even as development and population growth put a strain on natural resources and the environment. This panel of experts will explore the broad ways ecosystem services and collaborations bring value to Texas and the economy. Moderator: Sam Marie Hermitte, Texas Water Development Board Panelists: Matthew Berg, Ph.D., Simfero; Karl Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service; Vanessa Puig-Williams, Environmental Defense Fund

Closing General Session Zlotnik Family Ballroom

Blue Legacy Awards Presentation

The Texas Water Fund & Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session (1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas)
An in-depth discussion between Chairman Charles Perry and TWDB Executive Administrator Bryan McMath on key water policy issues of the upcoming legislative session. Moderator: Bryan McMath, Texas Water Development Board Panelist: Charles Perry, Texas Senate District 28