The Innovative Water Technologies group was formed in late 2005 primarily to manage legislative appropriations for desalination demonstration projects and pilot studies. We also explore and promote other water supply technologies that typically fall outside the realm of surface water and groundwater. The reason for including these in our program area was simple. Unless new supplies become available, the state's 16 regional water planning groups project that water shortages will occur in many areas of the state.
We are primarily involved in three areas of nontraditional water supply activities: desalination, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse.
Through our desalination program, we administer grants acquired through legislative appropriation for brackish groundwater desalination projects and seawater desalination pilot studies. Toward this end, TWDB has funded seven brackish groundwater desalination demonstration projects worth a total of $1.5 million, and two seawater desalination pilot plant studies worth approximately $2.75 million.
We promote rainwater harvesting and water reuse through numerous outreach activities and in late 2006 completed a major report for the legislature on rainwater harvesting. A first of its kind in the state, the report evaluates the potential for rainwater harvesting in Texas, suggests ways to promote it, and recommends water treatment standards.
IWT's activities complement other program areas within the agency such as Water Conservation, Groundwater Resources, Surface Water Resources and Water Resources Planning.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Innovative Water Technologies Group is to educate the water community on the use of nontraditional water supplies.
This mission is accomplished by participating in research needed to advance technology demonstration projects; developing publications and educational materials; making presentations to the public; and, actively participating in key water organizations.