The Water for Texas 2025 conference in Austin convened industry experts, innovators, and leaders to address pressing water issues impacting the state. NBSO’s Bee Kothuis had the honor of participating in a panel session led by Reem Zoun (Texas Water Development Board), alongside Tina Petersen (Harris County Flood Control District), Jack Krolikowski (American Flood Coalition), and Travis Pruski (Nueces River Authority).
The discussion focused on the recently adopted 2024 State Flood Plan, Texas’ inaugural comprehensive strategy to reduce flood risk statewide. This plan, approved by the Texas Water Development Board in August 2024, represents a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to enhance flood resilience.
During the session, Bee shared insights from the Netherlands’ approach to flood management, highlighting strategies such as Flood Proof Holland, Living With Water, Room for the River, and Building With Nature. These initiatives emphasize innovative, sustainable solutions to water challenges, reflecting a philosophy of coexistence with water rather than opposition.
The conference also featured diverse and highly relevant panels covering topics ranging from innovation to Texas’ water supply challenges, groundwater exportation, to nature-based solutions. This event underscored the importance of continued knowledge exchange between Texas and the Netherlands, building upon the collaborative efforts initiated during Texas’ visit to the Netherlands last year.
With shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration, NBSO Texas looks forward to keeping this exchange alive and contributing to a more water-resilient future!
