Living Water Award 2024 Nominee

Enrique Chávez Jr.

Program and Compliance Manager, Central States Water Resources

Growing up on a ranch in Mexico, Enrique learned the importance of animal husbandry and developed a deep respect for the land and water as vital resources. His significant work began after the tragedy of 9/11 when he joined the military and served multiple tours in the Middle East, leading 14 men into the desert of Iraq in 2009 and bringing them all back alive, which he considers his greatest achievement. After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in geology from Southern Methodist University and interning at NASA, he honed skills in contingency processes and threat assessment that he now applies at Central States Water Resources (CSWR). Outside of work, Enrique volunteers at the local Veterans Affairs facility, connecting with elderly veterans to combat loneliness, and his dedication has earned him admiration from colleagues. His experience makes him an ideal Program and Compliance Manager for CSWR, where he oversees engineering contractors and manages over 600 wastewater and nearly 300 drinking water systems. One of his notable achievements is designing a Co-Op Program for students to gain real-world experience while earning college credit. He has also coached interns on assessing acquisitions and created a “State of the Facility” Report to simplify complex information for colleagues. Additionally, he engages middle school students with a small-scale wastewater treatment plant model during community service events and shares his passion for sustainable water systems at college recruiting conferences, emphasizing teamwork and integrity. Enrique’s leadership and servant’s heart reflect qualities cultivated from his early days on the ranch to his service overseas, making him an exemplary representative of CSWR.