TWQA Resumes Online Training Registrations

The Texas Water Quality Association announced the resumption of online training registrations for January and April 2016 courses. According to technical staff

 "After reviewing the status of our credit card processor's transaction gateway, the Association was assured that card processing could resume.  We then tested credit card transactions and found they completed with no errors. As a result we enabled online registrations and members can once again reserve a spot in classes using either the web-based registration system or the electronic reservation forms"

Questions about online registrations can be forwarded to Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, by phone (361.573-6707) or email, or to TWQA Technical Support.

Online Training Registrations Temporarily Suspended

Online training registrations have been temporarily disabled. TWQA expects the underlying problems to be quickly resolved, and members can continue to register for upcoming events using the Training Registration Form. TWQA will keep you updated as conditions change.

Questions about this message may be forwarded to Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, by phone (361.573-6707) or email.

TWQA Introduces New Website Security Policies

Responding to increasing usage on the TWQA website, the Association recently implemented new log in credentials designed to improve website security. Association staff pointed out that, while no member information has been compromised and no unauthorized visitors have accessed restricted member pages, the significant increase in web site utilization warranted a review of, and updates to, several security policies. 

The most significant change is that, going forward, members who have not updated their default passwords will be required to do so before accessing any restricted pages or features. In addition, new passwords must meet specific 'complexity' requirements to further protect member access and information. 

New passwords have been generated on behalf of members who have not already updated their credentials. When those members are ready to access restricted member pages, they can simply click on 'Forgot Password' on the Log In page. They will then receive an email with instructions on how to log in to the web site and change their credentials.

Members who have already updated their password will not be affected by the new requirements until they change their credentials.  

Questions about any of these changes can be forwarded to Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, by email or phone (361.573-6707), or to TWQA Technical Support.

Fall Edition of the H2O Quality Magazine Now Available!

The latest edition of the H2O Quality magazine, Fall 2015, is now available online and will be mailed to our members shortly. The magazine contains updates from the latest board meeting, legislative opportunities and issues facing the water quality industry, a recap of the 2015 convention and exposition and information on how to improve sales force effectiveness.

Current members can access the H2O Quality library in the Member Tools section of the TWQA website. Not yet a member? Don't miss out on developments affecting your business! Fill out a membership application today or contact Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, by email or phone: 361.573-6707.

TWQA Announces 2016 Training Schedule

The initial 2016 TWQA training schedule has been released and offers multiple opportunities for industry professionals to get the training needed to obtain or maintain their Water Quality Specialist certifications. Training is offered to all water quality industry professionals. TWQA members receive discounts on training and related registrations.

January training will once again be hosted at the Texas State University in San Marcos. All core training will be offered, including Basic and Advanced Math. TCEQ exams are expected to be offered at the close of training.

April training will take place at the MCM Elegante in Abilene. Training will include the Basic Water Conditioning and Advanced Water Conditioning. TCEQ exams will be requested.

According to Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, July training will coincide with the 43rd Annual Texas Water Quality Convention and Exposition at the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, July 13-16, 2016. When asked about the convention, Mrs. Grace offered:

"In addition to the WQS training, attendees will be able to take advantage of business and technical sessions, learn about the latest industry developments, strengthen relationships with industry leaders and enjoy family outings."

The October training will take place in Houston. While the exact dates and location have yet to be determined, you can expect the Association to offer both Basic and Advanced Water Conditioning and to request TCEQ exams for those interested in increasing their certification level.

For more information on WQS training, visit the training pages on the TWQA website or contact Daina Grace by email or phone (361.573-6707).

Forgotten to Submit Your Technical Session Credits Sheets?

Has it slipped your mind? Have you forgotten to submit your Technical Session Credit Sheets? You still have time, but it is running out! TWQA is extending the deadline for one week to give everyone a chance to complete their submissions and get credit toward their Water Treatment Specialist licenses.

According to Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, anyone who attended the technical sessions can complete a Technical Session Credit Sheet and fax or email them to the TWQA administrative offices. Fax your sheets today at 361.573-6708 or email them to twqadirector@twqa.org.

[Expires: 2015-08-14]

TWQA Members Get Web Page Logo

Today, TWQA published their logo in a format that will help members wanting to use the logo on their web pages. The new logo has a transparent background and is published in the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format commonly used on web pages. All members will have access to the new logo in addition to the current camera-ready Portable Document Format images that were already available.

Want to see the new logo? Just go to the TWQA website! If you haven't already logged in, you will be prompted for your web credentials. Want more information? Contact Daina Grace by email or phone at (361.573-6707).

TWQA Extends Early Registration Deadline for 2015 Convention

Haven't registered yet for the 2015 TWQA Annual Convention and Exposition? It's not too late to take advantage of early registration opportunities.

According to Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, the early registration deadline has been extended to help members trying to get their registrations in under the deadline. Exhibitors and dealers wishing to attend the annual event have until Friday, July 3, to take advantage of early registration discounts.

Make your plans now. The business and technical training sessions have something to offer all of our industry providers. The La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa provide exiting opportunities for family fun during the training sessions and exhibition.

Click on the registration link below to register today, or fill out the convention registration form and email or fax it to Daina Grace at 361-573-6708.

Register Online

[Expires: 2015-08-14]  

2015 Convention Packets Now Available

Get ready for the 42nd Annual TWQA Convention and Exposition! This year we're returning to the La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa in Montgomery on July 15-18.

In addition to technical training, business talks and the supplier exhibition, there will be family-friendly events, including the annual golf tournament, awards dinner and Friday night celebration, so bring your family and combine an excellent educational opportunity with a family outing.

Registration is open now - you can register online on the TWQA website or download the registration form and email or fax it to Daina Grace at 361.573-6708.

[Expires: 2015-08-14]

TCEQ Approves 2015 Aquatech Training

In a letter dated April 10 2015, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality advised the TWQA that training at the Water Quality Association's Annual Aquatech Convention and Exposition meets the requirements for Water Quality Specialist training. According to Sarah Nazareth, Training Specialist, Occupational Licensing Section:

"The application and supporting documentation complies with Title 30, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 30 and meets requirements in the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulatory guidance document RG-373: Approval of Training for Occupational Licensing."

Aquatech training has been approved for up to 17.5 credit hours toward your WQS licensing requirements. Attendees need to complete the required forms and obtain the necessary WQA signatures confirming your attendance. The Aquatech training schedule is available on the TWQA website. For more information, please contact Daina Grace by email, or at 361-573-6707. 

TWQA Introduces New Communication Tools

The Texas Water Quality Association is pleased to announce that - as of Monday, April 6 2015, we now have two new communication tools to help our members and the Texas water quality industry. The first tool, VerticalResponse, enables the TWQA to reach out via email to current and former members, exhibitors and students to keep them up-to-date on recent industry and association developments.

"VerticalResponse simplifies communications by allowing us to build lists of Association contacts that need to be aware of different developments in the Water Quality industry - here in Texas and across the nation. We can then send emails just to those contacts and don't have to broadcast all messages to all members."

VerticalResponse also enables the association to keep track of members who aren't receiving emails so we can work with them to get updated contact information.

Members-Only News Articles

The second tool is a new members-only communications capability. Current members will be able to access industry- and association-specific articles in the 'Members Tools' section of the TWQA website. These articles will be combined with supplier specials that are being offered exclusively to TWQA members. 

"The new Members-Only news articles are one more means of sharing information with our current members to ensure they have access to the most recent developments affecting the Texas Water Quality industry."

For more information about the new email and members-only news capabilities, contact Daina Grace, TWQA Executive Director, by email or phone at 361-573-6707. 

[Members Only]

TWQA Loses a Lifetime Member

TWQA announced today that Cecil Hopper, a lifetime member of the Association, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2015 after a long illness. According to Daina Grace, the Association's Executive Director:


"It was with great sadness that I had to inform our members of Cecil's passing. He was one of the founding members of the Association and has been a good friend and an integral part of the TWQA family. Please keep the entire Hopper Family in your prayers during this difficult time."

Funeral services will be held WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015, AT 11:00 A.M. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary, Inc., 220 S. Getty, Uvalde, TX 78801. Phone: 830-278-5611