Greg Eyerly on Building Houston Water For The Next Generation

In today's episode of the 21st Century Water Podcast, we engage in an insightful conversation with Greg Eyerly, Director of Houston Water. Greg's journey through the water industry spans three decades, and his career trajectory is a testament to his willingness to take risks and make bold decisions. He started in the laboratory and transitioned to operations, a move that laid the foundation for his eventual rise to leadership. His experiences in both the private and public sectors, including significant roles in Clackamas County and the city of Salem, have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of water management challenges and solutions.Greg shares some pivotal moments in his career, such as his transition from a comfortable laboratory position to becoming a wastewater operator, and later advancing to management roles after earning an MBA. His role in the flood recovery of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, highlights his ability to handle large-scale crises, demonstrating his leadership and problem-solving skills. His move to Houston Water, driven by a desire to make a greater impact, underscores his commitment to addressing the city's unique water challenges.Houston Water, the largest city-run water utility in the U.S., faces several strengths and weaknesses. Greg points out the city's strong water rights and proximity to abundant water sources as significant advantages. However, the aging infrastructure, lack of redundancy, and susceptibility to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and even ice events pose substantial challenges. Houston's rapid population growth also adds pressure to the water infrastructure.Greg emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among elected officials and community partners about the risks and consequences of infrastructure failures. He discusses the ongoing efforts to comply with a $9 billion consent decree aimed at improving wastewater systems, alongside the critical need to address water leaks and aging pipes. Innovative use of AI technology significantly improves efficiency in inspecting and maintaining sewer systems, saving thousands of staff hours and reducing sanitary sewer overflows.Looking ahead, Greg outlines major investment priorities, including the construction of a new oxygen plant, the rehabilitation of the East Water Purification Plant, and the replacement of deteriorating waterlines. These efforts are crucial to reducing water loss and ensuring the resilience of Houston's water infrastructure. He also highlights the importance of exploring governance models to better manage the utility's extensive responsibilities and improve regional collaboration.Greg's leadership philosophy emphasizes flexibility, openness to opportunities, and the importance of building teams with subject matter experts. His vision for the future includes embracing circular economy principles, such as water reuse and recovery, and leveraging advanced technologies like digital twins to optimize operations.In summary, Greg Eyerly's leadership at Houston Water is marked by a proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to improving water management for the benefit of the community and beyond. We look forward to seeing the continued progress and impact of his work in Houston.More:Houston Public Works: https://www.houstonpublicworks.org/  Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/