Mansfield Water Utilities recognized by TCEQ

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Mansfield Water Utilities received three statewide awards from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality during its 2026 Public Drinking Water Conference, held Aug. 4–5 in Austin.

The utility received the Outstanding Public Drinking Water System Award, Outstanding Cross-Connection Control Program Award and Innovative or Proactive Water System Award.

The honors recognize Mansfield's overall drinking water system performance, efforts to protect the public water supply and proactive approach to developing the future water utility workforce.

“The City Council is proud of the hard working individuals on our water utilities team that work hard to provide noteworthy essential services,” said Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans.

TCEQ's Public Drinking Water Recognition Program recognizes public water systems that demonstrate exceptional performance and a commitment to protecting public health.

The Outstanding Public Drinking Water System Award recognizes overall excellence in the operation of a public water system. Of approximately 7,100 public water systems in Texas, Mansfield was the only system to receive the Outstanding Public Drinking Water System Award in 2026.

Mansfield is recognized as a Superior Public Water System and exceeds state capacity requirements for water production, total storage, service pump capacity and pressure maintenance within both of its pressure planes.

The city's water utility also promotes year-round water conservation through public education and outreach, participates in source water protection efforts within the Joe Pool Lake watershed in partnership with the Trinity River Authority and works with the Tarrant Regional Water District on water conservation and educational initiatives.

At the time of its award application, Mansfield had no violations of primary drinking water standards, enforcement actions or unresolved violations from TCEQ or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the previous three years.

“The awards we received this year are a testament to the quality of our staff,” said Adam Stark, Public Works Interim Executive Director. “We understand the importance of providing safe and reliable drinking water to our residents; these awards serve as proof of that commitment.”

The Outstanding Cross-Connection Control Program Award recognizes public water systems that protect their distribution systems from potential contamination. Mansfield was one of only two public water systems in Texas to receive the Outstanding Cross-Connection Control Program Award in 2026.

Cross-connection control helps prevent contaminants from entering the public drinking water supply through improper plumbing connections or backflow.

Mansfield's program includes customer service inspections, identification and prevention of potential cross-connections, required testing and tracking of backflow prevention assemblies, recordkeeping, enforcement and customer education.

During the qualifying period, Mansfield had no cross-connection-control-related violations, active enforcement actions or microbiological record violations.

Mansfield received the Innovative or Proactive Water System Award for its efforts to develop the next generation of water professionals through internships, mentoring and a partnership with Mansfield ISD's Career and Technical Education program.

As water utilities nationwide face an aging workforce and increasing technical demands, Mansfield Water Utilities is introducing students to water industry careers through hands-on experience alongside utility professionals. The initiative also supports the City Council's Focus on the Future priority by connecting young people with career opportunities in their community.

During the 2025–26 school year, the Bud Ervin Water Treatment Plant hosted three high school interns and two college interns, exposing students to water treatment, utility operations, maintenance and water quality.

One example of the program's impact is Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez, a 2024 Mansfield ISD graduate who interned with Water Utilities during his senior year before joining the City full time after graduation. Martinez has since progressed from a Class D to a Class C water operator license and is working toward his Class B license. He also earned his Class A commercial driver's license, helps train newer employees and has encouraged other young people to pursue careers in the water industry.

“The City of Mansfield empowers our employees to do the right thing, the first time, every time,” said David Hinshaw, Public Works/Utility Assistant Director. “We will always go above and beyond for our residents and customers.”

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