McAllen Public Utility, Texas Water 2026, Water Environment Association of Texas, Texas Section American Water Works Association, wastewater treatment, workforce development, community leadership, David Garza, Dennis R. Laskowski Recruitment Award, Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year
Staff Report
McAllen TX - McAllen Public Utility earned three statewide awards at Texas Water 2026, a conference held in San Antonio hosted jointly by the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Section American Water Works Association.
The annual conference, celebrating its 31st year, welcomed more than 7,000 attendees from across the country, including engineers, scientists, utility professionals, government officials, environmental leaders, and water industry experts. It is recognized as the largest regional water conference in the United States.
Award Recipients
David Garza received the Community Connection Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that help foster a welcoming and inclusive workforce culture within Texas’ clean water sector.
McAllen Public Utility received the Dennis R. Laskowski Recruitment Award, honoring outstanding recruitment efforts and leadership in growing the next generation of water industry professionals.
Wastewater Plant Honored
McAllen North Wastewater Treatment Plant earned the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year – Category 2 Award. The designation recognizes facilities with a treatment capacity between 1 million and less than 15 million gallons per day that consistently demonstrate exceptional operational performance beyond the normal call of duty.
Source - McAllen Public Utility