WateReuse Texas recently published a video introducing the public and prospective members to the wide range of projects, advocacy, and education taking place in the state. “The clear message from WateReuse Texas is ‘you are not in this alone,’” says El Paso Water’s Communications & Marketing Manager and current WateReuse Texas President Christina Montoya-Halter. “We are here to support you. We want to help you grow that other resource for your community.” 

Hunter is the Water Source & Purification Superintendent for the City of Wichita Falls, TX. He holds an MS and BS in Biology from Midwestern State University and is a Double A licensed Water and Wastewater Operator by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. He serves as the Standard Methods Part 6000 Coordinator – Individual Organic Compounds, as an AWWA Trustee in the Water Quality Technology Division, as a WateReuse Texas Board Trustee, as the AWWA representative to the Environmental Monitoring Coalition, and on the Opflow Editorial Advisory Board. Hunter received the WEF Laboratory Analyst Excellence Award in 2020, an APEX Award for Publication Excellence for the “Operators Need to Know” Opflow series in 2023, an Opflow Publications Award for best paper in 2023, a Journal AWWA Division Best Paper Award in 2024, an AWWA Golden Spigot Award in 2024, and a Distinguished Alumnus Award from MSU in 2024. He has given over 80 conference presentations/webinars, and authored over 140 publications.

"I've lived in drought-prone north Texas my whole life and I know firsthand how important it is to increase safe and reliable water supplies. Some form of water reuse can be implemented by any community, and WateReuse Texas brings researchers together and helps communities advocate for reuse."

Maria grew up in Colombia, where she developed a passion for civil engineering, ultimately earning her degree in the field. She later pursued a Master's in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Over the past 20 years, she has primarily worked with municipalities in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, gaining valuable experience in the water sector. Currently, she is part of the Fort Worth Water Department in the Strategic Operations Division. Her role involves overseeing the Reclaimed Water System on a daily basis, troubleshooting customer issues, ensuring water quality, and coordinating with Plant Operations Division to deliver high-quality product Type I reclaimed water to customers. On a personal note, she has a love for historic homes and has recently moved from an 85-year-old house to one that is 98 years old. This passion for old houses reflects his appreciation for both history and sustainability.

“As a member of WRTX, I am committed to promote smart water solutions that benefit our communities. The board is essential for finding new ways to make sure we have clean, reliable water”

Brigit Buff has 17 years of experience in water, wastewater, reuse systems, and water resources engineering - from planning, design, management, through construction.  Her varied background includes water distribution hydraulic modeling, wastewater collection systems, reuse master planning, risk assessments, contingency planning, program management, and regional water planning. Brigit received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UT-Austin in Environmental and Water Resources, where she specialized in rainwater harvesting and water conservation. She is currently the Water Planning and Natural Systems Team Leader for Plummer Associates.

"Water reuse is a vital component in our ongoing efforts to manage water resources sustainably. In a state as large and diverse as Texas, where water scarcity is a perpetual concern, implementing water reuse strategies can provide a reliable and resilient water supply. WateReuse Texas is a powerful tool to help address some of these water challenges, and I look forward to leveraging my diverse background to strengthen the future of the organization."

In September, WateReuse Texas headed to Austin to promote water reuse as a solution to Texas’ water challenges. WateReuse Texas president Christina Montoya-Halter of El Paso Water provided compelling testimony to the Texas House Committee on Natural Resources, highlighting members’ water reuse goals. WateReuse Texas Managing Director Noelle George supported Montoya-Halter’s testimony and participated in Texas Water Foundation’s Rainmaker Award Dinner, recognizing leaders making lasting impacts in Texas water.