William Delgado

About William Delgado

I am the Desalination/Water Reuse Engineering Specialist in the Conservation and Innovative Water Technologies Division of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).I evaluate water desalination and water reuse/recycling as emerging water sources to secure current and future water supplies for the State of Texas. I manage the implementation of the TWDB\'s desalination and water reuse/recycling programs by maintaining a database of all desalination projects in Texas, applying for grant funding, and preparing technical reports, including a biennial report on desalination projects in Texas for the Texas Legislature. My experience in this field derives from my Ph.D. studies, which explored water security and energy issues in Cd. Juárez, Mexico, which is across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. For my dissertation, I assessed whether a desalination plant similar to El Paso\'s Kay Bailey Hutchison plant could improve Cd. Juárez\'s water future by reducing the city\'s dependence on the declining freshwater supply in the transboundary Hueco Bolson aquifer that both cities share. Using the HOMER and RETScreen software platforms, I also evaluated whether an on-site, grid connected solar array would be an economically feasible power source for the proposed plant to reduce grid energy expenses and incorporate environmentally friendly solar energy. My research then considered the extent to which a proposed desalination plant would alter grid energy requirements to meet Cd. Juarez\'s water demands even with a solar array.In my role, I am delighted to live my passion for implementing cutting-edge water technologies through the public policy realm. I am also passionate about securing future water supplies for Texas and serving the people of Texas with great pride and joy.

Experience

1. Desalination Water Reuse Engineering Specialist

   Texas Water Development Board

   Feb 2023 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Studies water desalination and water reuse/recycling as new water sources for TexasMaintains a database on all desalination and water reuse/recycling projects in TexasPrepares technical reports, including a biennial report for the Texas Legislature

Education

• The University of Texas at Austin

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Geography

• Georgetown University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Environmental Studies/Policy

• Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

  High School Diploma

• The University of Texas at Austin

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Geography