The Latest Water Policy News | | | | | | | Join us October 22–24, at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter for three days of timely water policy discussions, networking, and signature events you won’t want to miss! Conference Highlights. We’re pleased to announce State Representative Josey Garcia, HD 124, and TCEQ Chairwoman Brooke Paup as two of our keynote speakers. Be sure to join us for some of our favorite conference events, including the Volunteer Service Project, Golf Tournament, Speed Networking, Welcome Reception, and Networking Reception. Stay tuned as we will be announcing more topics and speakers soon. View the preliminary schedule and all conference information here. | | | | | State Representative Josey Garcia, HD 124
| | | | TCEQ Chairwoman Brooke Paup
| | | Registration. Early bird rates are available through September 30 — register now and save!
Sponsorship. There are many ways to showcase your organization and support sound water policy in Texas, view sponsorship opportunities. Hotel Block. The TWA room block is currently sold out, but rooms at standard rates through the hotel may be available. If you would like to be notified if a room in our block becomes available, please fill out the waitlist form. Find the latest conference information here. We can't wait to see you in October! Need to cancel your room? Please do not cancel a room with the hotel. If you need to cancel your existing reservation in our block please email Lindsey Ford and we can reassign the room to someone on the waitlist. | | | Second Special Session. The 89th Legislature convened for a Second Special Session on August 15, 2025, immediately following the First Special Session. The special session is expected to run through September 14, although many expect the Legislature will attempt to adjourn by Labor Day. | | | Governor Abbott added a few additional items to the call, including legislation relating to a groundwater study of East Texas aquifers prior to the issuance of export permits or permit amendments by the Neches Trinity Valley Groundwater Conservation District. Other water-related items already on the call include flood relief, flood warning systems, emergency communications, and water conservation incentives using impact fees. These items continue to move through the legislative process and are expected to pass. | | | AGENCY UPDATES | | | TWDB Public Comment Period for State Revolving Funds. TWDB is holding a period of public review and comment on the draft State Fiscal Year 2026 State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plans. The review and comment period begins Friday, August 15, and ends Sunday, September 14. Find more information here. TWDB Asset Management Program for Small Systems. TWDB is soliciting participant systems and contractors for the third round of funding through its Asset Management Program for Small Systems (AMPSS). The program supports water and wastewater utilities in developing and implementing asset management plans—primarily for small, rural systems, but with opportunities for larger utilities as well. Learn more about AMPSS or join the TWDB mailing list for updates. CISA Security and Protection on Dams and Levees Webinar. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency will host a webinar on September 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (EST). This 101-level session will cover risk assessments, physical and cyber threats, protective measures, crisis management, and resources available to dam sector owners, operators, and other related professionals. To register, complete the registration form or email for more information. PUCT proposed rule changes. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has proposed amendments to its Chapter 22 procedural rules, including which standards apply to water and sewer facilities inside versus outside a municipality's ETJ. Interested persons may file comments electronically through the interchange on the commission's website. Comments must be filed by Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Find more information here. | | | | | | | Oncor Electric v. PUC. Earlier this month, the Fifteenth Court of Appeals (created in 2023 to handle appeals against state agencies, among other matters) issued a ruling related to procedural steps that must be taken to preserve an appeal from an agency order issued after a first motion for rehearing. The court ruled in favor of the agency, determining that a district court does not have subject-matter jurisdiction to review an administrative order when the party seeking review filed an initial motion for rehearing on an original order, but failed to file a second motion for rehearing after the initial motion was granted in part and denied in part, resulting in an amended order. View the full case file, including the dissent, here. Guadalupe River Coalition v. GBRA. In this case, a coalition that included property owners immediately downstream of the Lake Dunlap Dam filed a citizen suit against GBRA related to repairs of the dam following its failure in 2019, claiming the updated spillgates violate the Clean Water Act by placing unlawful and unauthorized fill into the Guadalupe River. The Western District of Texas denied the Coalition's requested relief, dismissing the case on standing (finding that the plaintiff did not establish that any pre-complaint violations are ongoing) and substantive (finding that enforcement of a Section 404 permit is solely within the discretion of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) grounds. View the opinion here. The TWA Water Laws Committee is chaired by Paulina Williams. If you have case law updates to share, please contact us.
| | | WELCOME NEW MEMBERS | | | Please join us in welcoming the newest Texas Water Association member! Ferguson Waterworks
| | | Thank you to our
2025 Confluence News Sponsors!Become a Confluence Sponsor Here | | | | | | | About the Texas Water Association From drought to flood, Texas Water Association (TWA), formerly the Texas Water Conservation Association (TWCA), is focused on water supply and management and works to promote sound water policy in Texas. Our members provide water and wastewater services to a vast majority of the state and include river authorities, cities, regional and local water districts, drainage and flood districts, irrigation districts, groundwater conservation districts, water users and other stakeholders, and those who support the Texas water industry.
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