TWA's HistoryThe Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA) was established in 1944 to address water supply challenges and advance sound water policy for Texas. At the time, the term conservation was synonymous with water supply. In 2024, TWCA entered a new chapter by updating our name to the Texas Water Association (TWA), reflecting both the breadth of our membership and our continued commitment to addressing the state's greatest water needs. Today, TWA members provide water and wastewater services to the vast majority of Texans and include river authorities, cities, groundwater conservation districts, water, irrigation, drainage, and flood districts, as well as industries, consultants, and stakeholders engaged in Texas water policy. Over the years, the Association has grown alongside the state’s evolving water needs and has played a key role in shaping Texas water policy, from environmental flow standards to the development of the state’s first comprehensive water and flood plans.  |
FROM TWCA TO TWAOver the years, our mission has grown to encompass all facets of water policy, from drought to flood and everything in between. While conservation remains a cornerstone of our work, it is not the only qualifier, and perceptions of the word conservation (particularly as it relates to water) have narrowed over time, requiring additional explanation of the full scope of the Association’s work. Following an extensive strategic planning process, the Association's Board of Directors voted in October 2024 to begin doing business as the Texas Water Association (TWA). Moving beyond the word conservation in the Association's name has allowed us to better serve our members under a banner that’s as big and broad as we are. Our updated name aligns with the strength and diversity of our membership and positions TWA to continue growing under a name that better represents who we are today and where we are headed. TWA continues to provide the same trusted policy expertise, now with a refreshed look and feel. Throughout these changes, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring sound water policy for the state of Texas, continuing the important work we’ve carried forward for more than 80 years. "The reason for a name change is simple: our audience, including the Legislature, legislative staff, and public agencies, are routinely confused by the term Water Conservation and they do not associate TWCA with our overarching mission of facilitating good water policy for the State of Texas." Read the full announcement to our membership here.
Name Change Timeline April 2024: The Executive Committee reaches consensus that TWCA’s name should be updated to better reflect the full scope of the Association's vision and mission. May 2024: The Executive Committee coalesces around a proposal to do business as the Texas Water Association (TWA). June 2024: Staff visits panel meetings during the Summer Conference to discuss the name change proposal and invite feedback. The Board of Directors votes unanimously to authorize staff to begin the work of transitioning from TWCA to TWA. August 2024: The Executive Committee votes to continue the transition work. September 2024: The Executive Committee continues strategic planning discussions and reiterates its support for moving forward with name change. October 2024: The Association holds an open house with the Board of Directors to discuss the transition and receive feedback. The Executive Committee reviews the proposed logo and finalizes its recommendation for the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors votes to begin doing business as the Texas Water Association. |
Texas Water Association | 4401 Westgate Blvd., Ste 320, Austin, Texas 78745
info@texaswaterassociation.org I (512) 472-7216