Texas Ground Water Association
Affiliate of the National Ground Water Association
2nd Quarter 2021
Convention Preview
See Bylaws, pages 12
The Latest on the TGWA Annual Convention
Happening August 1-4, 2021 in San Marcos
The TGWA Annual Convention
will take place on August 1-4,
2021 at the Embassy Suites
Hotel & Spa in San Marcos,
Texas. Because many events
are being pushed to the fall, set
up will be on Sunday and the
convention will be on Monday-
Wednesday. You can expect
the same schedule that TGWA
normally offers including
a trade show, continuing
education classes, scholarship
foundation auction, and the
awards luncheon. (See the
detailed schedule on page 5).
We are looking forward to
seeing all our exhibitors and
See Convention, page 4
CE Class Recap - Pg. 17
Draft Annual Convention Schedule - Pg. 5
Last year, TGWA staff
reported to the TGWA
Boards of Directors that the
lack of proper overarching
governing board bylaws
presented significant
organizational, insurance,
and legal risks to the
Association. In response, the
Division presidents created a
Bylaws Committee, chaired
by Bob Hill, to propose new
bylaws and a new TGWA
Board structure that would
ensure compliance with the
Association’s Articles of
Incorporation and insurance
policies. Committee members
are listed on p. 12. The TGWA
Division Boards adopted
the Bylaws Committee’s
recommendations at their
March 9th meeting.
TGWA Bylaws
Update
By SARAH KIRKLE,TGWA
By ADELINE FOX,TGWA
regular attendees. Please
support the association by
joining us this summer!
We will have a few key
differences this year both in
our social events and business
meetings. An explanation
of why these changes are
happening in 2021 can be
found on page 3 and in Sarah
Kirkle’s article on page 12.
The alternative social event
will include a family-friendly
bingo night and a cornhole
tournament. All parts of the
social event will take place at
the hotel venue to eliminate
a need for transportation.
Enjoy your last days of summer
break with us at the TGWA
Annual Convention.
Summer Fun in San Marcos!
Summer Fun in San Marcos!
August 1-4, 2021
MORE IN THIS ISSUE:
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 2
I sound like a broken record
but please bear with me as I
again encourage GWS Division
attendance and participation for
the TGWA at the 2021 Convention.
As stated in the last Fountainhead,
the next GWS Divisional
membership meeting is scheduled
at the TGWA Annual Convention
on August 3 at 8am. We will have
a discussion of the proposed
TGWA Bylaws and hopefully a
productive discussion on how the
GWS Division might be organized
under the proposed bylaws if
passed at the Convention.
Unfortunately, the Convention
schedule prevented us from
having the geoscience seminar
this year. We apologize to
those presenters and members
that had planned to attend.
However, as things return to
‘normal’ and the scheduling
of the Convention and space
allows… we do plan to resume
the geoscience seminar in 2022.
Finally, I wish to express the
appreciation I have for the GWS
Division membership, Board of
Directors, Vice President Kelley
Vickers, and Secretary Mike
Miller. I have been fortunate to
receive input and discussion from
everyone regarding the proposed
bylaws and the GWS Division’s
From the top of the rig
Perspectives of Division Presidents
Terry Lowe
Contractors & Drillers
Lowe Water Wells, Inc.
Rusty Tarver
Ground Water Science
Tarver Geologic Services
Andrew Bettle
Manufacturers & Suppliers
Pentair
The past year and half on the
board have been nothing short of
fulfilling. When I joined the board
in 2017, I was not clear what my
contributions would be to the
organization other than as a loud
mouth. I had no previous board
experience and the nexus between
governing an organization and
directly affecting change in the
water well community from
the manufacturing side was
not crystal clear. I went in with
the intention to not only “make
a difference” but to become a
better organizational member
by giving in any and every
way I could, all while further
advancing the mission of a
wonderful organization. Through
guidance and others’ experiences
and leadership, I was able to
understand a well driller’s needs.
All parts of this organization
are mutually valuable and
must all work together in a
balanced and intentional way
to accomplish longevity.
As I self-reflect on the past
crazy 2020-2021, what has become
tremendously clear is that the
spirit and practice of this group of
people is something that I believe
collectively improves the well
drillers of Texas. It is not merely
the giving of financial resources,
All Things Must End
Not Goodbye; See You Later
Revision of Bylaws
As I sit here writing my last
President’s letter, I can’t believe
how fast my term has come and
gone. (And I even got an extra
six months). Life is a vapor; such
a true statement. Seems like
yesterday when I was thinking
how I was going to get through
my acceptance speech. I made
it through, but all things must
come to an end. It has been an
honor to serve as President, and
I thank each of you for allowing
me to have this opportunity.
I want to thank our staff for all
their hard work and all the help
and encouragement each of you
have given me along the way. I’m
going to miss working with each
of you as closely as we do now.
You ladies are the best!!! Each
of you worked so hard through
this pandemic to keep things
running as smoothly as possible
and cutting costs where possible
to preserve our cash flow. Your
dedication to this association is
noticed and very appreciated.
Without your hard work we
might not have been able to
have a convention this year. Our
convention will be August 1-4. I
hope each of you will make every
effort to attend. We realize this is
a little out of the ordinary as so
many things had to be rearranged
Please see Tarver, page 7
Please see Lowe, page 7
Please see Bettle, page 7
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 3
A MESSAGE FROM TGWA
Official Publication of the
Texas Ground Water Association
3755 Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 105
Austin, Texas 78704
512-472-7437 • Fax: 512-472-0537
www.tgwa.org
2021
Pete Brien
Dale Felder
Bill Lange
Mike Pyburn
Robert Wagstaff
2022
Jaythan Browning
Patrick Casarez
Don McElroy
Ken D. Grant
Ty Raymond
Bill Stoner
2023
J. Clark Abel
Jeff Brien
Chad Hillis
Dennis Kern
Chris Lange
Randy Roberts
C&D Directors-at-Large
Ross Smart - Central Texas
Josh Barrett - East Texas
Wendell Goss - Gulf Coast
Open - Mid-Coast
David Dennett - North Texas
Eric McElroy - Pan./South Plains
Alex Neely - South Texas
Open - West Texas
Chapter Directors
Manufacturers & Suppliers Board
Andrew Bettle, President
Judy Burkett, Vice President
Robert Dilldine, Secretary-Treasurer
Robert “Bob” Hill, Immediate Past President
Ground Water Science Board
Rusty Tarver, President
Kelley Vickers, Vice President
Pat Goodson, Secretary-Treasurer
William Gamblin, Immediate Past President
Association Staff
Stacey Allison Steinbach, General Manager
Sarah Kirkle
Lisa Henley
Adeline Fox
Becky Arledge
2021
Steven Bond
Steve P. Musick
2022
Allan Standen
Bill Stein
2023
Michael Miller
John Waugh
GWS Directors
Terry Lowe, President
William McPike, President-Elect
John Julian, Vice President
Roger Russell, Secretary-Treasurer
David Rumbelow, Immediate Past President
Contractors & Drillers Board
2021
Lacee Nivens
Eli Rodriguez
Van Schmuck
2022
Rodney Ball
Don J. Childers
James “Jim” Jackson
2023
Mike Melancon
Ruben Reyna
Jimmy Vela
M&S Directors
Update on Raffle & Social Events
We have received many questions about the status
of the gun rafÒe as well as the golf and bowling
tournaments. Here is the latest update:
Gun rafÒe. Currently, there is a limited supply of guns available
through our normal vendor. We are trying to ensure that we
have an adequate supply for the 2022 Annual Convention
which will take place in January. In addition, state law prohibits
two rafÒes taking place at the same time. Therefore, we will
have gun rafÒe tickets for sale during the August convention
to be rafÒed at the January 2022 convention. Instead, the
Association is planning prize drawings during the luncheon
so make sure you sign up ahead for a chance to win!
Golf/Bowling. Because the convention was moved three
times, the committee waited to plan a social event. August
will be very hot for a golf tournament and the convention
now falls on a Sunday-Wednesday. The golf tournament
would have to be on the weekend, which presents additional
challenges. The committee plans to forgo the golf tournament
for 2021. Additionally, the bowling alley will be in the
middle of tournament season in August. For this reason,
bowling will also be removed from our program this year.
Instead, the committee is planning to host a family-
friendly bingo night and concurrent cornhole tournament
at the hotel venue. Doing this eliminates a need for
transportation, keeps the costs lower, and provides a new/
fun event for attendees to enjoy. We are looking forward
to this fun event where we can reconnect with friends!
Be on the lookout for potential sponsorship opportunities for
the new social event. We will have more information on our
convention web page at www.tgwa.org/annual-convention.
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 4
Convention, continued from cover page
EXHIBIT SCHEDULE
MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021
8- 2pm
Exhibit Setup
3 - 6pm
Exhibits Open
(Meet & Greet with Exhibitors)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021
Noon - 5pm
Exhibit Setup
*TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021
8:30 - 11am
Exhibits Open
1:30 - 3:30pm Exhibits Open
After 4pm
Tear Down
* Entrance to the exhibits will be
FREE on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 to
encourage attendance.
Summer Fun in San Marcos!
Summer Fun in San Marcos!
Enjoy your last days of summer break
with us at the TGWA Annual Convention.
August 1-4, 2021
REGISTRATION INFO
Registration for attendees,
exhibitors, and sponsors can all be
found at
www.tgwa.org/annual-convention
Note: If you registered in 2020,
your registration will be carried
over to the 2021 convention.
VENUE & HOTEL ROOMS
The 2021 TGWA Annual
Convention will be at Embassy
Suites Hotel & Spa in San Marcos at
1001 E McCarty Ln, San Marcos, TX
78666. Hotel rooms can be booked
by calling (512) 392-6450 or
reserving it online.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
LUNCHEON SPONSORS
LANYARD SPONSOR
NAME BADGE SPONSOR
PLATINUM
2M Company, Inc.
Austin Pump & Supply
Forward Marketing, Inc.
Franklin Electric
Grundfos
Gulf Coast Pump & Supply
Preferred Pump & Equipment
Pumps of Houston
Unitra, Inc.
Winsupply of Lubbock
Wholesale Pump & Supply
Xylem, Inc.
GOLD
WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc.
SILVER
Alvarado Bit Service
BRONZE
Cotey Chemical
DAB Pumps, Inc.
RMBJ Geo, Inc.
Villarreal & Begum Law Firm
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 5
DRAFT SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021
MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021
WOMEN’S DIVISION PROGRAM -
More information will be available on-site.
TGWA Membership Meeting
(Vote on adoption of bylaws)
Room TBA
10-11AM
Exhibits Open - (1 hour of C.E. Credit)
Room TBA
1:30PM-3:30PM
Power Quality & Pumps (Course #23177)
Tom Drew & Bob Hill, Grundfos
Room TBA
3:30PM-4:30PM
Water Well Drillers/Pump Installer
Statutes and Rules (Course #23726)
Adam Foster, Texas Department of
Licensing & Regulation
Room
4:30PM-5:30PM
Meet and Greet With Exhibitors
(1 hour of C.E. Credit pending approval)
Room TBA
3PM-6PM
TGWA Scholarship Foundation Auction
Room TBA
6PM
Noon-5PM
Exhibit Set-Up
Room
8am-2PM
Exhibit Set-Up
Room TBA
6:30PM
Bingo and Cornhole Tournament
Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa
Water Well Drillers/Pump Installer
Statutes and Rules (Course #23726)
Adam Foster, Texas Department of
Licensing & Regulation
Room TBA
8AM-9AM
Groundwater Management in Texas
Overview of State Law (Course #22964)
Gary Westbrook & Bobby Bazan, Post Oak
Savannah GCD
Room TBA
9AM-10AM
TXDOT Load Securement (Course #22838)
Corporal Freddy Duran, TXDOT
Room TBA
10AM-11AM
Concurrent Division Meetings
(Election of board members)
C&D Division Meeting - Room TBA
M&S Division Meeting - Room TBA
GWS Division Meeting - Room TBA
8AM-9AM
Exhibits Open - (1 hour of C.E. Credit)
Room TBA
9AM-11AM
TGWA Registration
Room TBA
9AM-5PM
TGWA Board of Directors Meeting
(Election of officers)
Room TBA
5:30PM
Tuesday continued
Awards Luncheon
Room TBA
Sponsored by:
Franklin Electric
Preferred Pump & Equipment
12:15 -1:30PM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021
11AM- Noon
Drill Rig Safety & Maintenance (Course
#23179)
Todd Armstrong, GEFCO
Room TBA
8:30AM-10:30AM
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021
Women’s Division Breakfast
Room TBA
PLEASE SELECT YOUR CLASSES ON SITE.
Classes with a course number are approved by TDLR.
Water Well Drillers/Pump Installer
Statutes and Rules (Course #23726)
Adam Foster, Texas Department of
Licensing & Regulation
Room TBA
11AM - Noon
Concurrent Sessions
Water Well Rehab-
Chemicals &
Applications (Course
#24204) Jerry Hatley,
Cotey Chemical
Room TBA
*Insurance 101 Question
& Answer Session
Tracie Garner Davis,
Insurica
Room TBA
11am-Noon
*NOT an accredited CE Class.
TGWA Scholarship Foundation Meeting
Room TBA
9:30AM-11AM
Concurrent CE Classes
*Hour 1 - Mud & Gravel
Pack (Course #24251)
George Dugan, CETCO
Room TBA
Solar Water Systems –
Solutions off the Grid
(Course #22891)
Darol Hayes, Franklin
Electric
Room TBA
1PM-2PM
*Hour 2 - Mud & Gravel
Pack (Course #24251)
George Dugan, CETCO
Room TBA
Water Well Drillers &
GCDs (Course #23176)
Amy Bush, RMBJ Geo, Inc.
Room TBA
2PM-3PM
*Must take both hours if you
take the first hour.
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 6
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 7
role in the TGWA. Serving on
the Bylaws Committee and the
Finance Committee has given me a
great opportunity and experience
working with other divisional
ofÏcers and board members.
Kelley and Mike deserve some
extra recognition for their work
on the Bylaws Committee and
for keeping me focused on the
work being done. A heartfelt
thank you also goes to all the
TGWA staff for their hard work
and especially for their patience
dealing with my questions and
comments through my term. It
has been a pleasure to serve the
GWS Division, and I have really
enjoyed the opportunity to work
just to have our convention this
year. The plan is to get back on
schedule in January 2022 and
with your help and support we
can do it. We decided not to have
the gun rafÒe at this convention
for several reasons noted on page
3, but we plan to resume the
rafÒe in January 2022. We had
to make some tough decisions
for everything to work and all
we’re asking is that you support
those decisions as we navigate
through what is hopefully
the end of this pandemic.
We will be so much stronger
when all of this is over and one
day we’ll look back and say
“I’m not sure how we did it,
but man we aced that!!!” I’m
looking so forward to seeing
each of you in August. The board
met in June to have our first
in person board meeting since
January 2020. Until we see you
in August, be safe out there, be
kind and God bless each of you.
Lowe, continued from page 2
Tarver, continued from page 2
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Legislative Update
By SARAH KIRKLE, TGWA
After a fast and furious 140
days, the 87th Legislature has
adjourned sine die. Legislators
filed 7,327 bills, fewer than
in the 86th session, but still a
high number given expected
constraints due to COVID-19.
Only 1,175 of those bills passed
both chambers by sine die,
providing for a relatively
low 16 percent bill passage
rate (the Legislature passed
between 19-22 percent the
last three sessions). While the
session was expected to focus
on the budget, redistricting,
and pandemic response,
legislative discussions took a
sharp right turn after Winter
Storm Uri. Discussions around
the near failure of the state’s
electric grid largely dominated
the legislative docket,
followed by various social
issues, such as constitutional
carry and elections.
TGWA staff tracked about
50 bills that could impact
groundwater policy or other
licensing/regulatory matters,
five of which passed the
Legislature. None of these bills
has a significant impact on
the operations of water well
drillers or pump installers.
This session marks the first
session in many years where
no key groundwater-specific
bills passed the Legislature. If
anyone has questions about
a bill TGWA tracked or other
policy questions, please feel
free to reach out to Sarah
Kirkle.
but giving of one’s expertise,
passion, talent, and one of a
kind stories of how water wells
are dug in Texas. So, in other
words, all of us are attached to
wells in this business. We all
come from varying walks of
life, which contributes to the
uniqueness of how we view the
world and how and why we
choose to make an impact on
this industry. I firmly believe
that deep down, we all want to
make the world a little better
one water well at a time.
As I move forward, I hope to
continue serving the board in
whatever capacity they need
me. Thank you, for allowing
me this awesome opportunity!
Sincerely,
Bettle, continued from page 2
with everyone - including getting
to work with other Division
ofÏcers and board members.
Thank you for allowing me the
opportunity to serve as GWS
Division President and I look
forward to continued involvement
with the GWS Division and
TGWA into the future.
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 8
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www.johnsonscreens.com
waterwell.johnsonscreens.us@aqseptence.com
Use glass beads instead of gravel
•
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between rehabilitation events
•
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•
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•
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•
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Upgrade from traditional filter pack and use Johnson Screens' Shur-Pak on your next project. Use
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TGWA Fountainhead - pg 9
TGWA Fountainhead - pg 10