TCQ announces details for 2025 Public Drinking Water Conference in Austin

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is gearing up for its 2025 Public Drinking Water Conference, set to take place on August 5-6 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. This year's theme, "Back to Basics," aims to provide essential updates and training for water system operators, with a focus on compliance and safety in drinking water management.

During the recent Drinking Water Advisory Work Group meeting, TCEQ officials highlighted the importance of the conference, which will feature 39 presentations, primarily led by TCEQ staff. Topics will include updates on lead testing in schools, legislative changes, and the management of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The conference will also offer hands-on workshops, including sessions on water conservation and cybersecurity.

Registration for the conference opens on June 10, and attendees can participate either in person or online, ensuring broader access for municipalities unable to send representatives to Austin. A "save the date" card will be sent to current water operators, and a detailed brochure will follow, outlining the agenda and registration details.

In addition to the conference preparations, TCEQ is actively hiring interns to assist with the processing of compliance forms and community outreach. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the agency's capacity to manage drinking water standards effectively.

Laura Higgins, section manager for the drinking water section, provided updates on compliance monitoring, including the transition to a new data submission portal for laboratories, which is expected to be fully operational by November. She also emphasized the importance of timely reporting for surface water treatment rule violations and encouraged systems to communicate any federal impacts affecting their compliance capabilities.

As TCEQ continues to prioritize public health and safety in drinking water management, the upcoming conference and ongoing initiatives reflect the agency's commitment to equipping water system operators with the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure safe drinking water for all Texans.