The goals of the newly established Water Conservation and Technology Center (WCTC) in San Antonio are to accelerate development and adoption of new and innovative technologies to solve emerging water problems and meet future water supply needs. The center is establishing a team of scientists, engineers and water professionals dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of technologies for water conservation needed to meet the water demands and economic growth of the future. The science and technology created through the WCTC will be regionally focused to support the state’s critical water requirements and integrate strong public/private partnerships. The center will focus on applied research and development, testing and validation, technology transfer and training and extension education in the following areas.
- Water Conservation
- Water Reuse
- Groundwater Desalination
- Energy development and water use
Texas AgriLife Research, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Engineering Experiment Station and Texas A&M University-San Antonio are working together to develop the center to support projects of the highest priority to meet the requirements of the Texas State Water Plan.
Objectives
- Establish personnel and lab facilities to support applied research, demonstration, testing, evaluation, technology transfer, education and training
- Conduct technology transfer, training and extension education programs for each theme area across the state
- Establish improved methods for efficient and sustainable use of water for industry, agriculture and energy development
- Establish industrial assessment program to provide assistance to industry in identifying and implementing water conservation best practices
- Advance application of research in groundwater desalination and water use/reuse for energy production using a ‘technology to market’ approach