[an excerpt of this letter is included in the June 2024 issue of The Water Table]

Dear members and groundwater friends,

It has been an exciting four months as the new Executive Director here at TAGD. I am both inspired by and grateful for the support shown by the Executive Committee, staff, and members as we have made this transition in leadership. TAGD members are a wonderful group of groundwater professionals and it has been a humbling experience to witness firsthand the commitment and passion they all bring to this organization and their roles in managing groundwater resources across the state.

I’ve had the chance to work with some of you in the past, and I’m thrilled to continue our collaboration. For those I haven’t met yet, I can’t wait to get to know you and work together. I’m sure we’ll make a great team tackling the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our work here at TAGD is incredibly important, and I’m committed to keeping things innovative, transparent, and sustainable. I’m ready to work hard on behalf of the organization to ensure we reach our goals and make a significant impact. Now that I’m settled in, I wanted to share a few priorities for the organization.

One of my top priorities as Executive Director is to ensure that all members of TAGD are heard and benefit from our association. I believe that our strength lies in the unique perspectives each district brings to the organization. I am committed to fostering an environment where every district, regardless of size or resources, can contribute to and benefit from our collective efforts. Your input and experiences are invaluable to the organization, and I encourage you to share your insights and ideas. In addition, I urge you to maintain open and ongoing dialogue with your TAGD area representatives (find yours here). Having open lines of communication with these individuals is important for ensuring that your concerns and needs are effectively represented.

Active participation in our meetings is also important to the success of TAGD. These gatherings provide a platform for sharing the latest developments, best practices, and innovative solutions in groundwater management. I strongly encourage all members to engage in these meetings to stay informed, share your experiences, and collaborate with your peers.

Speaking of meetings, I am excited about the upcoming Texas Groundwater Summit, which promises to be a fantastic event for anyone interested in groundwater in Texas. This year’s Summit will have a jam-packed agenda that is sure to be engaging, educational, and inspiring for all attendees. I look forward to seeing everyone there in the audience or at one of our signature networking opportunities.

As we look to the future, it is clear that groundwater will play a critically important role in the success of our state. With growing populations, increasing water demands from all sectors, and frequent droughts, the effective management of groundwater is essential. Our work together is crucial in ensuring that we can meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Thank you for your dedication and support during these initial months. There are many great things ahead for TAGD, and I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with each of you. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of groundwater management in Texas. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at adam@texasgroundwater.org with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. I am here to serve the groundwater community and ensure that our association prospers.

Warm regards,

Adam Foster
Executive Director
Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts

PS – We’ll take a break from sending The Water Table newsletter in July as many of our readers are out of the office for summer fun, but stay tuned for a few more Texas Groundwater Summit announcements and then a special newsletter issue in August ahead of our annual gathering.