Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – McAllen Public Utility (MPU) earned three statewide awards at Texas Water 2026, recognized for leadership, workforce development, and excellence in wastewater treatment operations during one of the nation’s largest and most respected water industry conferences held in San Antonio.
Hosted jointly by the Water Environment Association of Texas and the Texas Section American Water Works Association, the annual Texas Water Conference welcomed more than 7,000 attendees from across the country, including engineers, scientists, utility professionals, government officials, environmental leaders, and water industry experts. Celebrating its 31st year, the conference is recognized as the largest regional water conference in the United States.
Among the statewide honors presented during the conference, MPU was recognized for its commitment to operational excellence, workforce development, and community leadership.
MPU Award Recipients Include:
• David Garza received the Community Connection Award, recognizing individuals and organizations that help foster a welcoming and inclusive workforce culture within Texas’ clean water sector.
• McAllen Public Utility received the Dennis R. Laskowski Recruitment Award, honoring outstanding recruitment efforts and leadership in growing the next generation of water industry professionals.
• McAllen North Wastewater Treatment Plant earned the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Year – Category 2 Award, recognizing facilities with a treatment capacity between 1 million and less than 15 million gallons per day that consistently demonstrate exceptional operational performance beyond the normal call of duty.
