David Garza

WEAT Professional Water Operator Representative, Board Member

2022 to current

Can you provide a brief introduction about yourself, including your current role?

For the last 26 years I have been blessed to be in the Utility profession. Starting in 1998 as a WW Lab Tech and working my way up the ranks to become Utility Director in a City of Pharr. In 2017 I had the opportunity to become the Director of WW Systems with McAllen Public Utility, which I took in a heartbeat, and I have never looked back.

What led you to pursue a career in the water sector, and what aspects of your work are particularly fulfilling to you?

I was a Chemist for a private laboratory for 7 years and the laboratory closed down, it was the first time I was out of a job since 7th grade. Driving home from my last day at the laboratory, I went to church and knelt and prayed for guidance and it led me to the water sector. I do not believe it was by coincidence, but by a higher power, I called a friend that used to be Chemist at WWTP for a reference. At that time, he was an Asst. Public Work Director for Pharr, and he told me to apply here. The city had an opening for Laboratory technician at the WWTP, which I did and got the job. The Utility profession gave me something that I had been looking for and that was serving people. I became a public servant, which I am so grateful for. It is a satisfaction knowing that you are doing something for the public every day.

Could you share some key milestones or achievements in your professional journey that you are particularly proud of?

I was truly blessed to become the first Hispanic in Texas to have achieved Triple “A” status, which is obtaining the TWUA Laboratory Analyst “A” Certification, TCEQ “A” Wastewater Operator License, and the TCEQ “A” Water Operator License. 31st in Texas to obtain a CWP (Certified Water Professional) from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service in 2013. Achieved Certified Public Manager (CPM) in 2023. An Adjunct Instructor for TEEX since 2007. Serve on TCEQ Water Utility Operator Licensing Advisory Committee (WUOLAC) and Water Environment Association Texas Executive Board as PWO Representative and current President of the Boys & Girl Club of Pharr-San Juan and Board Member for 10 years.

How has your cultural background influenced your perspective and approach in the water industry?

My work ethic was influenced by my grandmother and father. My grandmother lost her husband, and she had to raise 8 children, which was tough for as Hispanic women in the 1940, but she opened a restaurant to provide and was successful and I started working as a busboy (at 13) there for many years. My father worked the fields growing up, served in the Korean War, and with hard work was able to provide for us working at Sears as a Manager for over 35 years. Because of them, I developed that sense of wanting to serve and taking pride in my work ethic, which followed me in the water industry.

What advice would you give to fellow members who are starting their journey in the water industry or considering active participation in WEAT?

There is always something new to learn if you are willing to learn. I receive and read numerous journals, view WEAT webinars, attend conferences when possible and willing to listen to others, so if there is someone doing it better, I want to know about it and try it, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. One of the great things about WEAT, there are so many great people you can learn from and are willing to help. Many of our staff in McAllen Public Utility are on committees or serve on local boards and this allows for opportunity to meet and learn from others in your profession.

Balancing personal and professional commitments can be challenging. How do you manage work-life balance, and do you have any strategies or practices that have been particularly effective for you?

In the 26 years in the profession, I’ve learned a lot of lessons, but the most important in work-life balance simply goes like this: God First, Family, Work, and this has paid dividends for me. I am blessed to work in the water and wastewater profession that serves the public, “to serve” means a lot when you think about it.

On a lighter note, could you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that many may not know?

One of the things I really enjoy is BBQing for my family, my oldest brother is still trying to get my beef rib secret, nope that is why it is a secret and I enjoy trying new BBQ places and hamburger places. Love it!

I am truly grateful for organizations such as WEAT and others that represent our water and wastewater profession. These men and women that work in this profession are truly the unsung heroes. Many do not realize that we are required to have state licenses to work at a water or wastewater plant. Many do not know we are required to have over 140 to 180 hours of core educational courses to obtain these state licenses and must take state exams to achieve them, many operators are on shift work and operations are 24/7. I am truly blessed to work in a profession that protects public health, protects the environment, and gives quality of life to our citizens every day.