Halff

🌟 We’re celebrating the honor of a lifetime for Water/Wastewater Project Manager Clint Smith, who was recently awarded ASCE's prestigious President’s Medal! This is one of the organization’s highest recognitions. Clint's contribution to the engineering profession extends far beyond his technical expertise and projects; his mentorship of the next generation of civil engineers is actively shaping the future.

Those who work closely with Clint can attest to his unwavering determination to make other people the best they can be. Whether leading industry initiatives or creating opportunities for future engineers, he consistently and passionately invests in the people around him. Through leadership roles with ASCE, AWWA and other organizations, Clint has spent countless hours inspiring the next generation, serving our communities and strengthening the industry.

"I’ve focused on professional development and training others, and I always want that to be part of my career," Clint says. “I look forward to also continuing to support the growth of Halff’s Water/Wastewater practice in Central Texas. Halff has really elevated me in my career and I want to return the favor.”

Clint, on this remarkable achievement! Read more: https://halff.com/news-insights/press-releases/halffs-smith-honored-with-asce-presidents-medal/
Society of Civil Engineers

📓 Meet Public Works Intern Sofia Davila Ramirez joining us in our Austin office!

This summer, Sofia discovered that engineering is about much more than calculations and design software. Through project meetings, site visits and conversations with mentors, she's gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a well-rounded engineer. It's all about communication, collaboration and curiosity, which helps engineers make a lasting impact.

Swipe to learn more about Sofia's Public Works internship!

Get ready for a trifecta of Halff’s water/wastewater engineers taking the stage next week at the UESI Pipelines 2026 Conference! Ben Stephens, Leah Hodge and Jared Jeffries are excited to present on industry-specific cases and connect with leaders.

⇒ Aug. 4 at 2:30 p.m.: Ben will present a case study examining flexible pipe deflection calculations and how they compare to real-world field observations.
⇒ Aug. 4 at 2:30 p.m.: Leah, alongside Carmen Drake from the City of Fort Worth, will discuss the unique challenges and solutions behind a major inverted siphon project crossing Marine Creek Lake.
⇒ Aug. 5 at 8:00 a.m.: Jared and Leah, joined by Justine Rojas of Kiewit, will explore how 3D utility modeling supports design-build delivery on complex infrastructure projects.

Join them at for learning about all things underground infrastructure!

💧 Stormwater converted to potable water is redefining water resuse. With 1.3 million people residing in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, this fast-growing corridor faces critical needs as they experience prolonged drought and increasing water demand. That's what sparked an innovative project.

The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 deep in South Texas is rethinking water supply. The first of its kind, this award-winning pilot-scale project was strongly advocated for by Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes. It captures stormwater, treats it and delivers potable water. Now, plans are underway to construct a full-scale treatment plant capable of producing enough water for 20,000 residents (5 million gallons per day), with potential to serve more than 200,000 people.

This project not only innovates a new water supply and creates a blueprint. The 225-acre detention pond also mitigates flooding, showing how infrastructure can serve multiple purposes. Zooming out, the project redefined the industry’s relationship with stormwater uses in arid and flood-prone regions.

It's a story about how engineering excellence can alter a community's approach to one of its most vital supplies: water.

Project Details
💧 Delta Reclamation Water Treatment Pilot Plant Study
📍 Northeastern Hidalgo County, TX
🤝 Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1)

HCDD1 District General Manager Raul E. Sesin stated, “The project showcases advanced engineering solutions that improve water availability and regionalization, setting a benchmark for similar facilities."

"Through comprehensive research and pilot testing, the study provides valuable data and practical recommendations that can be applied to future large-scale implementations.”

Read the full case study: https://www.halff.com/news-insights/insights/case-study-delta-reclamation/ ‎

📓Meet Water Resources Intern Julian Ybarra, joining us in The Woodlands office!

This summer, Julian has been gaining hands-on experience with drainage, structural and hydraulic modeling projects while learning how engineering software and field work come together to support real communities. From building the Bee Creek model to visiting project sites during heavy rainstorms, he's developed new technical skills and a deeper understanding of the work behind every project.

From the project he's most proud of to the lessons he's learned about networking and the tools he uses every day, swipe through to learn more about Julian's water resources internship!

Mark your calendar! Halff’s own Natalie Rogers and Aaron Boll will both be in the spotlight next week when the Arkansas Floodplain Management Association convenes for its 2026 annual conference.

✅Natalie will present an essential “Back to Basics” presentation on Aug. 5, providing a great refresher for the basics of floodplain mapping and development in the floodplain.

✅ Aaron will provide a debrief on the importance of maintaining a regional mindset when approaching stormwater management.

✅And Natalie, in her role as AFMA PDCC chair, will be presenting program updates to the AFMA CFM program.

Join them Aug. 5-7 at !

In honor of , we're highlighting the story behind one of Jacksonville's most iconic public spaces! It shows exactly how thoughtful landscape architecture helped transform St. Johns River Park into a vibrant waterfront destination that tourists and locals love visiting. 🌳

Working alongside the City of Jacksonville, Halff helped bring the park to life through a multi-phase design-build approach that expanded recreation, celebrated local history and created new opportunities for people to connect with the St. Johns River. From a history-inspired playground to welcoming gathering spaces, every element was designed to encourage exploration, community and long-term investment in Jacksonville's riverfront.

As Halff's Director of PLA Joseph Loretta shared, "Green spaces in the urban environment... provide economic benefit to the surrounding region while creating places for people to recreate and enjoy their lives."

Click to explore how the work behind this park brings people and places together.

Halff's Nick Charnas and Sam Miller have been appointed to serve on committees for the Florida Stormwater Association!

On the respective committees, Nick and Sam are active members who will have the opportunity to develop educational materials and support training for stormwater operators, as well as hear and comment on proposed legislation. Congratulations!