Episode 40: From Aquifers to Policy - Presented by LWV Texas
In Episode 40, Tonya offers a webinar produced by the League of Women Voters of Texas earlier this year. Teri Marsh, Water Advocacy Chair for LWV Texas, hosts "From Aquifers to Policy." More information about our presenters, Natalie Ballew (Groundwater Division Director at the Texas Water Development Board) and Adam Foster [Executive Director of Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts (TAGD)] can be found below. Additionally, please scroll down to Dive Deeper for a link to the full video on YouTube, which includes some highly informational slides.
Natalie Ballew is the Groundwater Division Director at the Texas Water Development Board, bringing expertise in groundwater resources and policy development. They provide direction and guidance for the TWDB Groundwater Division, which encompasses Groundwater Monitoring, Groundwater Modeling, Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System (BRACS), and Groundwater Technical Assistance. Their work supports the collection, interpretation, and provision of accurate information on Texas's groundwater resources to various stakeholders.
Within the Texas Water Development Board, Natalie has progressed through several roles, demonstrating increasing responsibilities and leadership capabilities. As Manager, they supervised a team of hydrogeologists and data analysts, providing technical direction on projects and processes related to groundwater management plan reviews, joint groundwater planning, and legislative papers.
Adam Foster became the Executive Director of TAGD in February 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in groundwater science and regulation. In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization and serves as the primary point of contact for TAGD members, the Texas Legislature, state agencies, and other organizations on groundwater-related issues. Before joining TAGD, Adam served as the Program Hydrologist for the Water Well Program at the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR), where he worked closely with groundwater conservation districts on a wide range of groundwater management and policy matters. Prior to his tenure at TDLR, he was a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, conducting research on contaminant transport in karst aquifers, groundwater-surface water interactions, and the occurrence and fate of organic contaminants in the environment. Adam holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from Texas State University, where he also earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics.
DIVE DEEPER!
From Aquifers to Policy - Video with slides
Explore Texas Water Development Board
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Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District
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