Last Updated on October 1, 2025
Having always lived in Texas, my life has been shaped by the waters of Texas. My childhood was spent in Houston and filled with daily summer showers and fall hurricanes. Family vacations were spent at Hill Country lakes and Gulf Coast beaches. And the entirety of my career has been in the water industry in San Antonio. My children are growing up spending weekends at our favorite spot on the Frio River. This summer, my four-year-old witnessed the Frio River flood and has already developed a respect for the power of water.
My father instilled the desire to pursue an engineering career, but I found myself in the water industry by chance. An internship in college opened my eyes to the critical role played by public utilities. That internship led me to begin my engineering career working for public municipalities as a consultant. I worked on many water and wastewater projects in the San Antonio and Texas regions but found myself supporting the River Authority Utilities Department. As I got to know the team and their passion for the critical services they provide – I jumped at the opportunity to work with them.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as Manager of the Utilities Department since December of 2024. In this role, I oversee the operation of our wastewater treatment plants, guide infrastructure improvements to our collection systems, and ensure that our utilities operate efficiently and responsibly. Every project we undertake is rooted in the River Authority’s mission: to protect and enhance the San Antonio River Basin. For me, that means turning technical expertise into real, measurable benefits for the communities we serve. Wastewater isn’t something most people think about day to day—but the way we manage it has a direct impact on the health of our rivers, the quality of our environment, and the resilience of our communities. Our team’s work behind the scenes makes sure that the water leaving our treatment plants is safe, that our infrastructure can withstand growth and change, and that our operations continue to set the standard for excellence.
When I look ahead, I’m especially excited about strengthening workforce development for our wastewater field staff. The men and women who are passionate about this critical service are truly the heart of our department. Their work is often behind the scenes, yet it is essential—from the crews who maintain the collection systems, to the operators who ensure proper treatment, to the technicians who keep equipment running, and the compliance staff who safeguard both our community and the environment. These careers are not always recognized alongside other valued trades, yet they are vital to public health and the future of our waterways.
Amado Zambrano, Chief Operator of the River Authority’s Utilities, gives a tour of the Martinez II WWTP to incoming staff.
With many seasoned operators approaching retirement, we face a significant employment gap. It is our responsibility to invest in training, mentorship, and recognition to inspire the next generation of water professionals and instill in them the same passion for service. At the same time, I see tremendous potential to pair this workforce development with innovation – from smart technologies that allow us to detect and resolve issues faster, to sustainable infrastructure practices that minimize environmental impact. Together, people and technology will drive our ability to continue improving how we serve the community and protect the river.
For me, water is more than a resource—it’s a responsibility. Working at the River Authority allows me to carry that responsibility with pride, knowing that each improvement we make today will ripple forward for years to come.
Today’s blog was contributed by Katie Overstreet, Manager of the River Authority’s Utilities Department. Her leadership includes overseeing the utilities operations and managing infrastructure improvements to the wastewater systems. Katie has over 10 years of experience in wastewater collection and treatment projects and utility management. Katie obtained her degree in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Texas A&M University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas, a Project Management Professional, and an active member of the Water Environmental Association of Texas.
The “My River POV” series provides readers the opportunity to learn about the unique insight and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) staff and their connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
