The conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center also gives utility staff from across the state the chance to go head-to-head in fast-paced competitions that highlight the skills needed to perform their vital duties.
Texas Water 2024 will feature an environmental community project, a 5K run through downtown, and a scholarship golf tournament.
The conference is organized by the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) and the Texas section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). (Note to the media: State and national officers from both organizations are available for interviews.)
Among topics being discussed:
- Widespread presence of PFAs, widely known as the forever chemicals, in the environment. Water treatment for these pollutants is expected to cost millions of dollars in the coming years.
- Implementation of new federal safety rules regarding lead water service lines. The EPA has set an October 2024 deadline for utilities to complete inventories of their lead service lines. Utilities must also draft a replacement plan and step up water testing in schools and daycare centers for the presence of lead.
More than 600 water and wastewater-related exhibitors will be set up in the Exhibit Hall. An Imagine H2O Innovation Lounge will showcase advanced water and wastewater technologies from all across North America.
Other conference highlights are:
Tuesday, April 9
- The Curtis Smalley Environmental Event is a yearly feature of the conference that gives attendees a chance to safeguard water resources in the host city. Fort Worth Water and the Tarrant Regional Water District have organized a litter cleanup starting at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Park in downtown Fort Worth, which is along the Clear Fork Trinity River.
Wednesday, April 10
- The Hydrant Hysteria Competition is a fast-paced contest where two-member teams assemble a specified hydrant as quickly as they can.
- During the Operations Challenge, teams compete in a multi-day competition to show their knowledge and skills in such areas as repairs, safety, and lab processes.
- Fastest Saw Cut competitors must use a hand saw to slice through an 8-inch pipe. It is designed to showcase skills necessary in wastewater collection maintenance.
Thursday, April 11
- Best Tasting Drinking Water 2024 - A panel of community judges will taste and rate samples of drinking water from around the state, starting at 1:30 p.m. Results will be announced live at the competition. The winner then competes in the AWWA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Anaheim, Calif., in June.
For more information about the conference and daily schedule of events, visit www.txwater.org.
The Water Environment Association of Texas is a nonprofit organization of more than 3,500 professionals who benefit society through protecting and enhancing the environment by providing education and awareness on the value of water. To learn more, visit weat.org.
The Texas Section of the American Water Works Association is the second largest of AWWA's 43 sections, with over 4,500 members and volunteers committed to advancing the technology, science, and governmental policies as water professionals and stewards of the state’s water resources and public water supplies. To learn more, visit tawwa.org.