MDS-Aqualia pushes Texas desalination debate at Austin conference

MDS-Aqualia is using Texas Desal 2026 in Austin to spotlight the state’s water-supply crunch and the role desalination may play in long-term planning. The company will moderate a session on Sept. 24 as Texas communities face drought, growth and rising demand.

Why it matters: - Texas communities are weighing how to secure reliable water supplies as drought, population growth, economic development and rising demand strain traditional sources. - The conference is focused on long-term water security, not just short-term fixes. - The discussion centers on how communities can build resilience before water shortages become emergencies.

What happened: - Texas Desal 2026 Annual Conference runs Sept. 22–24 at the Sonesta Bee Cave in Austin. - MDS-Aqualia is participating in the conference alongside water professionals, utilities, municipalities, engineers, technology providers and industry leaders. - Eva Arnaiz Garcia, vice president of business development at Aqualia US, will moderate “Rethinking Our Approach to Desalination Projects” on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. - The session will feature industry experts Mark Donovan, Steven Walden and Vasu Veerapaneni. - Media are invited to connect with MDS-Aqualia representatives during the conference.

The details: - The panel will examine how communities can plan and deliver desalination projects to support more reliable and resilient water supplies. - MDS-Aqualia says it combines Aqualia’s international water expertise with MDS’s Texas experience. - The company works in water security, resilience, water reuse, desalination, infrastructure modernization and utility operations. - The organization says its focus reflects a broader shift toward diversified water portfolios that can include desalination, water reuse, infrastructure modernization and other approaches. - MDS-Aqualia said additional details and real-world examples will be shared after the conference. - Media contact information listed in the release includes Andrea Gomez at 832-858-5850, Erika Abboud at 832-216-0122 and marketing.usa@aqualia.com. - The release also includes social links for MDS-Aqualia on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.

Between the lines: - The conference positioning suggests desalination is being framed less as a niche option and more as part of a broader state water strategy. - The emphasis on flexibility and resilience signals concern that Texas may need multiple water-supply tools at once. - MDS-Aqualia is aligning its local Texas presence with Aqualia’s global water experience to strengthen its credibility in the state market.

What's next: - The panel discussion on Sept. 24 will likely shape follow-up conversations about desalination, reuse and infrastructure investment in Texas. - MDS-Aqualia plans to share more examples and details after the conference. - Texas communities and utilities will continue evaluating long-term water plans as pressure on traditional supplies grows.

The bottom line: - Texas water planning is moving from crisis response toward resilience planning, and desalination is gaining a larger seat at the table.