2025 Water for Texas Conference

(1 hour MCLE available, approved by the State Bar of Texas and 1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)

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.

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.

(1 hour CEC available, approved by the TFMA)
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 Disaster Information System; Elizabeth Savage, P.E., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Texas Community Watershed Partners Project Office