National Ground Water Association Announces 2006 Technology Award
The award recognizes Dr. Mace's role in pioneering the use of ground water modeling—the use of data and computer models—to inform policy makers and citizens about the state of ground water in Texas now and in the future.
Hired by the Texas Water Development Board in 1999, he worked on developing, calibrating and running an early version of a computer model of the Hill Country portion of the Trinity Aquifer. Dr. Mace then established a program to support his staff in completing aquifer models in house. He subsequently trained staff to supervise external contractors developing ground water availability models for all major and minor aquifers in the state.
As a result, computer models have been developed for aquifers covering 73 percent of the state and encompassing 95 percent of ground water produced in the state.
The ground water availability models provide vital scientific tools to ground water conservation districts, regional water planning groups, regional water suppliers and other groups as they assess policy options and plan to meet future ground water needs.
"Dr. Mace's work to assess aquifers through computer modeling is important, not only for how it helps Texas make wise policy decisions regarding ground water. It also shows other states how they can do the same," said NGWA Awards Subcommittee Chair Larry Lyons. "NGWA applauds his tireless efforts to make protect ground water for use by future generations of Texans."
SOURCE: NGWA