2026 Gulf Coast Water Conservation Symposium 
This symposium brings together local water utility and resource managers, engineers, architects, educators, communicators, and community members to learn about water resource management and water conservation. The one-day program will provide information on implementing successful water conservation programs, funding opportunities for water conservation projects, engaging customers, and planning for the future.

Who will be at #GCWCS26?
- Water Resource Managers, Planners, Consultants, and Engineers
- Water Utility Managers and Board Members
- Water Conservation and Efficiency Professionals
- Regulatory Agencies
- Outreach and Communication Professionals
- Green Infrastructure Professionals
- Municipal/Regional Government Officials
- Product and Service Providers
- Leak Detection Professionals
- Water Auditors
- Distributors and Manufacturers
- Scientists and Researchers
- Educators and Students


Sign up for #GCWCS26 email communications for symposium news, announcements, and additional information by clicking the button below.
EVENT INFO
Event date:
October 22, 2026


Location:
Hyatt Regency Baytown

100 Convention Center Way
Baytown, Texas 77520

Program Schedule:
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM CDT

Online registration begins:
July 20, 2026

Online registration ends:
October 16, 2026
 
Registration cost is $65, and the add-on option for a tour of the Brownwood Subdivision is $10. Once maximum capacity is reached, registration will close, and no on-site registration option will be available. 

All sales are final, and no refunds will be issued. If you cannot attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person by contacting [email protected] BEFORE October 16, 2026.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER 
Elizabeth Fazio Hale - CEO & General Manager, Gulf Coast Authority
Liz Fazio Hale is the CEO/General Manager of the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA), which manages wastewater and water reuse systems across the State of Texas. Prior to joining GCA, Liz served as the Executive Director/CEO of Riverbend Water Resources District in Northeast Texas and as the Director of Natural Resources in the Texas House of Representatives under Chairman Allan Ritter. There, she played an instrumental leadership role in the development of the State Water Infrastructure Fund and Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIFT/SWIRFT), and she worked on the prioritization and enactment of numerous financial, legal, environmental, conservation, and special district policy measures during her tenure with the legislature from 2001 to 2015.

Liz is a dual-degree graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Government and a B.S. in Communications. She holds her J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
PROGRAM
For planning purposes, the symposium will begin at 8:30am and end by 4:00pm. Program details are subject to change. 
8:30 AM
Registration & Light Breakfast
morning speaking sessions
Symposium MC
Ashley Greuter, P.G.
Director of Research and Water Conservation - Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
Ashley Greuter is the Director of Research and Water Conservation for the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, where she manages the Science and Research Program, oversees the award-winning Water Conservation Programs, and administers the Enterprise GIS platforms. She serves as the USA Affiliate for UNESCO's Land Subsidence International Initiative and is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Texas.
Welcome Remarks
Speaker


Mike Turco
General Manager - Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
Michael (Mike) Turco is the General Manager of the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District and Fort Bend Subsidence District, where he leads a community-focused team to support the Districts’ mission of preventing further subsidence through groundwater regulation and award-winning water conservation programs to protect the lives and property within Fort Bend, Galveston, and Harris counties. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Geology and his Master of Science in Geology (Hydrogeology Focus) from the University of Nebraska. His career in water resources and groundwater data collection spans more than 30 years, beginning at the U.S. Geological Survey, where he worked on numerous surface water and groundwater data collection and research projects. Mr. Turco joined the Subsidence Districts in 2013 with the goal of supporting the region’s growth by protecting groundwater resources through reasonable and effective regulations, backed by the best available science, to ensure a sustainable water future free from the impacts of subsidence. He is involved in several influential water groups, including the Region H Planning Group, the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group, the Texas Water Association, and UNESCO’s Land Subsidence International Initiative.
A Warm Welcome from Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner
Speaker
Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia
Harris County Commissioner - Precinct 2
Commissioner Adrian Garcia has always called Precinct 2 home. Born and raised in Houston’s Near Northside neighborhood, Garcia joined the Houston Police Department upon graduating high school. After a distinguished career as a police officer across two decades, he was elected to the Houston City Council District H and named Mayor Pro Tem under Mayor Bill White. In 2008, Garcia became the first Latino Sheriff of Harris County. As Sheriff, he instituted the first Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and saved the county more than $200 million while increasing the number of patrol deputies and reducing jail overcrowding. In 2018, Garcia was elected Commissioner for Precinct 2, the northern and eastern portions of Harris County, spanning from Aldine to League City. Now in his second term, Garcia focuses his Revive2Thrive initiative to revitalize the precinct through strategic investments in infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunity. His mission is to make Precinct 2 the best place to live, work, and play for all. One of his proudest Revive2Thrive accomplishments is the overhaul of James Driver Inclusive Park, an award-winning greenspace designed for families of all abilities and ages, and it remains the county’s only fully inclusive park.
A Conversation on Water Supply, Conservation, and Collaboration
Inspired by the "This Is Texas Water" campaign, this panel highlights the people, partnerships, and planning behind Texas' water future. Join experts as they discuss local and statewide water supplies, conservation efforts, and innovative strategies that support a resilient and sustainable water future.
Moderator
Matthew Berg, Ph.D
CEO & Principal Scientist - Simfero
Matthew Berg is the CEO & Principal Scientist of Simfero, a science-based research and strategy firm located in Houston. He has over 20 years of experience working on numerous water resources issues in agency, academic, and private sectors. Dr. Berg enjoys leading conversations with elected officials and also teaching bilingual kindergarten classes how to dance out the hydrologic cycle. In addition to several national awards, he has been named to Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40.
Panelist
Troy Dorman, Ph.D, PE
Water Sustainability Leader - Halff Associates
Troy Dorman, Ph.D., P.E., CFM, ENV-SP is the Water Sustainability Leader for Halff Associates. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering) and Tarleton State University (Hydrology). Dr. Dorman has over 25 years of professional experience with a focus on sustainability, hydrology, and water resources for public and private clients. As an engineer, Dr. Dorman strives to understand the economic, social and environmental constraints of every project with the goal of maximizing the benefits for the community and the client. Dr. Dorman works with states, counties, cities, river authorities and the federal government on planning, infrastructure, and water resources/environmental engineering concerns.
More panelist information coming soon!
City of Rosenberg- Municipal Reclaimed Water System
Reuse water is a major component of the city’s overall strategy to reduce its reliance on groundwater in accordance with the Fort Bend Subsidence District groundwater reduction mandates and to achieve the city’s plans of overall water conservation and sustainability.
Speaker
Heriberto “Eddie” De Leon
Utilities Director - City of Rosenberg
Heriberto “Eddie” De Leon, CPM, CWP., is the Director of Utilities for the City of Rosenberg. He has over 30 years of experience in the operation, design and construction of water and wastewater treatment facilities. Mr. De Leon is a certified water and wastewater instructor in the State of Texas and maintains Class “A” certifications in both water and wastewater treatment.
Water Savings in Action: Programs That Deliver Results
This session highlights the completed evaluation of the Harris- Galveston Subsidence District's award-winning Water Conservation Programs, including the approach used to quantify water savings, key findings, and lessons learned.
Speaker
Denise Ma
Water Conservation Program Coordinator - Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
Denise earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from St. Mary's University and a Master of Arts in Education from Relay Graduate School of Education. Drawing on her background as a high school Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, she now supports the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District's award-winning Water Conservation Programs, helping communities protect one of Texas' most valuable resources. Denise is actively involved in the Texas AWWA Water Efficiency Division and serves as a regional lead for the Houston Environmental Educators group. She is committed to helping communities better understand and conserve local water resources to prevent further subsidence.
Keynote Address
Keynote Speaker
Elizabeth Fazio Hale
CEO & General Manager - Gulf Coast Authority
Liz Fazio Hale is the CEO/General Manager of the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA), which manages wastewater and water reuse systems across the State of Texas. Prior to joining GCA, Liz served as the Executive Director/CEO of Riverbend Water Resources District in Northeast Texas and as the Director of Natural Resources in the Texas House of Representatives under Chairman Allan Ritter. There, she played an instrumental leadership role in the development of the State Water Infrastructure Fund and Revenue Fund for Texas (SWIFT/SWIRFT), and she worked on the prioritization and enactment of numerous financial, legal, environmental, conservation, and special district policy measures during her tenure with the legislature from 2001 to 2015. Liz is a dual-degree graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Government and a B.S. in Communications. She holds her J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
12:00 PM
Lunch
Afternoon Speaking Sessions
Prop 4: An Investment in Texas’ Future
Director Morgan will provide an update on Texas Water Development Board activities as the agency prepares to implement Prop 4 funding approved by voters.
Speaker
Ashley Morgan
Director - Texas Water Development Board
Ashley Morgan joined the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) on October 6, 2025. Prior to her service at the TWDB, Morgan served as an attorney at Erben & Yarbrough, an Austin-based legal and governmental affairs firm, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the Railroad Commission of Texas, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Morgan is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the UT System Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee, and serves as a docent with the Docents of the Governor’s Mansion. An East Texas native, Morgan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1998 and obtained a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law in 2007.
Green Infrastructure Practice Use in Support of Watershed-Based Planning
Green Infrastructure (often referred to as Low Impact Development) practices have been in use for over twenty years. Mr. Johnston will connect their use and benefits to addressing the region’s water quality.
Speaker
Steven Johnston
Principal Planner - Houston-Galveston Area Council
Steven Johnston is a Principal Planner with the Community and Environmental Department at the H-GAC. He has spent the past 13 years working with the region’s stakeholders developing Total Maximum Daily Load studies and executing implementation plans to address the region’s water quality impairments. He works as a project manager and stakeholder facilitator. Prior to joining H-GAC, Mr. Johnston spent twelve years working as a project coordinator for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Galveston Bay Estuary Program, implementing the Galveston Bay Plan’s Monitoring and Research and Water and Sediment Quality action plans. Mr. Johnston received his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science/Biology from the University of Houston Clear Lake.
4:00 PM
Symposium Ends
Add-on
Post-Program Field Trip
At the conclusion of the #GCWCS26 program, a shuttle bus will transport attendees from Hyatt Regency Baytown to the Baytown Nature Center for this exclusive tour.

This tour will take us behind the scenes to discover the remnants of the Brownwood Subdivision, guided by experts and a former resident. Gain important insight into what subsidence is and hear firsthand about the impact subsidence had on this community. The shuttle will make a few stops with minimal walking; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The tour will take approximately one hour, and the shuttle will return attendees to the Hyatt Regency Baytown. Once the #GCWCS26 program schedule has been finalized, official times will be updated and shared with registrants. For planning purposes, the tour will begin at approximately 2:00 pm and conclude before 4:00 pm.

Spots are limited; therefore, once capacity is reached, this ticket add-on option will close. All sales are final, and no refunds can be issued; however, if you are unable to attend and would like another person to attend in your place, please contact [email protected] with the transfer information, including the attendee's name and email address, BEFORE October 16, 2026.
SPONSORS
Thank you for the generous support of this year's symposium sponsors!
LUNCHEON SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
Location
HYATT REGENCY BAYTOWN
100 Convention Center Way
Baytown, Texas 77520
Join us at the Hyatt Regency in Baytown for an incredible symposium.

Complimentary self-service parking will be available. There is a dedicated entrance on the right side of the hotel for the conference center.

Should you need a hotel room, you may book directly on the hotel's website.

 
News & Updates
REGISTRATION 
Registration will begin on July 20, 2026, and end on October 16, 2026. Your registration ticket includes full-day access to the symposium, lunch, and refreshments. Registration payment can be made online only. 

*All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be given under any circumstances.  If you are unable to attend, you may contact [email protected] by October 16, 2026, with the name and email address of the person you designate to attend in your place.

Due to venue capacity, only a limited number of tickets are available. Once maximum capacity is reached, registration will close. 

SPONSORSHIPS 
The deadline to sponsor was July 10, 2026. Please contact [email protected] should you need any additional information about sponsorships.

Presented by Harris-Galveston Subsidence District
The Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) is a special-purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1975 and is authorized as a groundwater regulatory agency to cease ongoing and prevent future subsidence in Harris and Galveston counties. 

HGSD mitigates subsidence by reducing reliance on groundwater through groundwater regulation and providing water conservation, education, and outreach programs to underscore the importance of water conservation in the community.
#GCWCS26
Advisory Committee
Thank you to the following members of the #GCWCS26 Advisory Committee for volunteering their time to provide program recommendations, collaborative feedback, and promotional support for this year’s symposium:

Matthew Abernathy, UH Coastal Center
Dr. Matthew Berg, Simfero
John Geiger, Woodlands Water
Whitney Milberger, North Fort Bend Water Authority – BGE Inc.
Jessica Woods, Texas AWWA Water Efficiency Division Chair

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