SAN ANTONIO - Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp recently announced the formation of a new A&M system center to address multiple water issues in and develop solutions for Texas.
Texas AgriLife Research, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Engineering Experiment Station and Texas A&M University-San Antonio are collaborating on the development of the Water Conservation and Technology Center that will support high priority projects that focus on Texas’ water issues.
"The state of Texas has a rich history that has always been linked to water - rights, conservation and control. This unique agency collaboration will lead to development of more efficiency and effectiveness in managing this vital resource," Sharp said.
Administered by the Texas Water Resources Institute, an entity of the Texas A&M System, the center will increase the System’s ability to meet existing and emerging statewide needs in water conservation and technology, according to Dr. Neal Wilkins, the institute’s director.
"The center will accelerate the development and adoption of new and innovative technologies to solve emerging water problems and meet future water supply needs," Wilkins said.
The center includes a collaborative relationship with the Texas Engineering Experiment Station through the Texas Center for Applied Technology and will be located at the Texas Engineering Extension Service’s South Presa campus in San Antonio.
Cindy Wall, the applied technology’s executive director, said the center will target its work on four high priority efforts: water conservation, water reuse, groundwater desalination and energy development and water use.
"The center will establish a team of scientists, engineers and water professionals dedicated to applied research and development, testing and validation, technology transfer, and training and extension education in these four areas," Wall said.
The center will work with industry, state and federal agencies, municipalities, trade associations, and other research institutions to undertake projects and develop solutions within these four areas.