# East Texas Water Institute Launches

> East Texas Water Institute aims to solve water crisis with workforce training and regional coordination.
- Title: East Texas Water Institute Launches · The Texas Tribune
- Summary: East Texas Water Institute aims to solve water crisis with workforce training and regional coordination. East Texas Water Institute will train local workers…
- Keywords: east texas water institute, stephen f austin state university, angelina college, t.l.l. temple foundation, water crisis, water infrastructure, workforce training, regional coordination, carrizo-wilcox aquifer, 2027 spring semester, water data, water education
- Source: The Texas Tribune — https://feeds.texastribune.org/link/16799/17489727/east-texas-water-institute-launches
- Author: Jess Huff
- Published: 2026-10-05T10:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: east texas water institute, stephen f austin state university, angelina college, t.l.l. temple foundation, water crisis, water infrastructure, workforce training, regional coordination, carrizo-wilcox aquifer, 2027 spring semester, water data, water education
## East Texas Water Institute launches
East Texas leaders build water institute to improve water research and coordinate regional water goals.
## Partnership forms
Angelina College, Stephen F Austin State University and T.L.L. Temple Foundation partner to create institute.
## Drew Gholson named director
Drew Gholson, former Mississippi State professor, leads institute with water conservation focus.
## Unique regional focus
Institute addresses East Texas water crisis through five priority pillars including data, education and workforce training.
## Water crisis in East Texas
East Texas faces water infrastructure failures as skilled workers prepare to retire.
## Workforce shortage
East Texas needs 1,500 licensed water operators by 2027 to maintain aging infrastructure.
## 2027 timeline
Institute aims to have staff, classes and students enrolled for 2027 spring semester.
## Regional coordination
Institute creates space for regional water coordination that hasn’t existed formally.
## Key takeaway

East Texas Water Institute will train local workers and coordinate regional water efforts to address Texas' water crisis by 2027.