Tarrant Regional Water District

     Laura Blaylock introduced us to the Tarrant Regional Water District on May 18, 2013.  The Tarrant Regional Water District is a state agency established more than 80 years ago.  She stated that the mission of the district was to provide water to the more than 1.8 million people in 11 counties throughout North Central Texas area and project population and demand for water supplies.  Their agency is also responsible for maintaining and 

operating all of the bike trails in the Trinity River area.

     She provided us a tour of their new facility at 800 East Northside Drive, Fort Worth, TX.  Their building was the first to be L.E.E.D. certified in the city.  This accomplishment was in part completed utilizing cork tiling, recycled carpeting, and all materials sourced withing 500 miles.  In addition, 50-70% of the building is powered by solar.

 

     In addition, their facility aggressively implemented and uses recycling as depicted in the photos to the left. By throwing less away they actually found that they were using less.  The Tarrant Regional Water District also uses three 2500 gallon rainwater tanks to collect and re-use rain water.

     With the growing shortage in drinking water in North Texas as well as world wide increases in demand it is easy to understand the motivation and requirement to build facilities such as theirs.  Laura stated that "water will be the next reason we go to war" if conservation and innovation of our resources aren't sought out.

 

     Laura emphasized the need for efficiency, new ideas, new technology, progressive boards, and investment in long term projects.  In my opinion, improved facilities such as theirs should be the wave of the future.

Useful Links:

http://www.trwd.com/