Axe ’Em, Jacks!
East Texas Water Institute
A resource now and for the future
The East Texas Water Institute serves as a trusted regional resource to advance water data, public education, workforce development, applied research, and practical solutions for water challenges across East Texas.
Our Focus
ETWI's work is organized around
five pillars that drive
real impact in our region:
Water Data
Building trusted, accessible water data and technical knowledge to support better local and regional decisions.
Public Education
Helping communities understand water challenges, resources, and opportunities through clear, practical education.
Applied Research & Technical Assistance
Connecting communities with expertise and hands-on support to move water projects and solutions forward.
Water Workforce
Strengthening the pipeline of trained water professionals needed to operate and sustain local systems.
Regional Coordination
Bringing together communities, utilities, agencies, and partners to address shared water challenges across East Texas.
Rooted in East Texas.
Built for what's next.
Established through a partnership between Stephen F. Austin State University and the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, the East Texas Water Institute brings together regional expertise and community leadership to strengthen East Texas’ water future.
Unique Place.
Shared Responsibility.
From thriving communities to working lands and vital ecosystems, water is the foundation of East Texas. ETWI works across sectors to support solutions that keep our region strong, now and for future generations.
Leading a regional approach to East Texas water.
Dr. Drew Gholson leads the East Texas Water Institute, a regional resource focused on helping East Texas communities address today’s water challenges while preparing for the future. The Institute brings together research, technical expertise, education, and regional partnerships to strengthen water management across the region.
Based at Stephen F. Austin State University, Dr. Gholson works with water systems, local governments, groundwater conservation districts, universities, state agencies, river authorities, and community partners.
Under his leadership, ETWI is focused on water data and technical expertise, trusted public information and education, regional coordination, project development and technical assistance, and workforce development; turning knowledge and partnerships into practical resources for East Texas communities.
“The East Texas Water Institute is focused on bringing people, information, and resources together to help communities solve real water challenges.”
— Dr. Drew Gholson
Latest from ETWI
-
The Neches River: Wild Heart of East Texas
Originally aired May, 28, 2026
Austin PBS Specials -
Dr. Drew Gholson was awarded for his outstanding contributions to research and education that advance water conservation and irrigation practices in Mississippi agriculture. Through ETWI, Gholson is bringing this expertise to East Texas.
