Hires nationally recognized industry veteran Sharlene Leurig as Texas Regional Director

WestWater Research (“WestWater” or the “Company”), the leading advisory firm specializing in water rights and water markets in the United States, today announced its strategic expansion into the Texas market and the hiring of Sharlene Leurig as its first Texas Regional Director. The timing of WestWater’s expansion aligns with a historic moment for Texas water infrastructure. In late May, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 7, which addresses critical water issues. The bill establishes a $20 billion framework to fund water supply, flood protection, conservation, and infrastructure projects, addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity and enhancing water resiliency. The bill, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in June and pending voters’ approval of a ballot proposition in November, is part of a broader legislative effort to address the state’s growing water challenges amid rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, and climate pressures.

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Sharlene Leurig, Texas Regional Director

Leurig brings 15 years of experience in long-range supply planning, project finance, and water transactions. Most recently, she acted as Managing Member of Fluid Advisors, advising Water as a Service (WaaS) companies serving the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. From 2018 to 2024, she served as Founding CEO of Texas Water Trade (TWT), which has purchased billions of gallons of water for environmental flows across the Texas Gulf Coast and catalyzed market transactions for groundwater storage and decentralized water solutions statewide. During her tenure at TWT, she acted as Board Chair and Interim CEO of Vida Water, a service provider giving Texas families access to water filtration that fits their budget and their need for convenience. From 2015 to 2021, she chaired the Austin Water Forward Task Force, guiding development of Austin’s 100-year supply plan, and has supported development of policies to implement the plan through numerous leadership transitions. At TWT and previously as Project Director for the Texas Environmental Flows Initiative, Leurig assisted river authorities, water districts, local governments, and municipal, industrial, and agricultural water users to develop water transactions and infrastructure investments that secure water for people and nature. Leurig, a nationally recognized expert in water finance and resilience, will be based in Austin.

“Texas has been an important market for WestWater since our founding nearly 25 years ago,” said Clay Landry, CEO of WestWater Research. “Over the past few quarters, it has become our fastest-growing market. We are pleased to welcome Sharlene as Regional Director and are confident that she brings the expertise and leadership necessary to support our clients and partners in this dynamic and evolving landscape.”

“Senate Bill 7 represents a generational investment in Texas water,” said Leurig. “It’s an important time to be working in this space, and I’m thrilled to join WestWater as we help shape the future of water in Texas. The opportunities ahead in Texas water are vast, and we are eager to support the state’s water needs through innovative solutions and strategic initiatives.”

WestWater also announced that J. Paul Oxer joined the Company as a Senior Advisor in May. Oxer brings over 50 years of experience in infrastructure development, engineering, and public service, including his appointment by Governor Rick Perry to chair the Governing Board of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. His deep expertise in sustainable infrastructure and project development will be instrumental as WestWater deepens its engagement in the state.

“Texas faces some of the most complex water infrastructure challenges in the country, but also some of the greatest opportunities for innovation and resilience,” said Oxer. “By leveraging market-based tools and strategic allocation of water resources, we can help communities, industries, and agriculture meet their growing needs while building a more sustainable water future for Texas.”

WestWater’s expansion into Texas reflects its commitment to providing data-driven, market-based solutions to water resource challenges across the Western United States. Through active participation in water market activity and water reallocation, WestWater helps clients navigate the complexities of water scarcity and achieve sustainable water management. With offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, and now Texas, WestWater continues to lead the industry in water asset valuation, transaction advisory, and strategic planning.

About WestWater Research

WestWater Research is a specialized economic firm offering strategic solutions for water supply and water market challenges. The Company’s focus on the value, impact, and resiliency of water resources ensures its clients are well-positioned for long-term success in a dynamic environment. The Company is majority-owned by New York City-based investment manager Aetos Capital. WestWater's Waterlitix™ platform and deep industry expertise support a wide range of clients, including utilities, investors, agricultural producers, and public agencies. For more information, visit WaterExchange.com.

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