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.
Why do you appreciate working at the River Authority?
What I appreciate about this agency is that we have both the environmental science and engineering inputs at the table. These departments bring such different perspectives to a project and it’s a more holistic way of viewing things. We have an extraordinarily strong Environmental Sciences Department (ESD) at the River Authority. Our ESD team leads the way in terms of the work that they do throughout the state and there are many professionals that look to them for their expertise. The Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction Program is a big step in that direction, as well as the fish passage efforts.
A few of the many cool and colorful native freshwater mussel species found in the San Antonio River.
At the same time, the expertise of our Engineering Team plays a crucial role in bringing these environmental initiatives to life. Their innovative approaches to sustainable infrastructure, flood risk management, and ecosystem restoration ensure that our projects are both technically sound and environmentally responsible. Whether it’s designing fish passages that reconnect aquatic habitats or implementing green stormwater infrastructure, their work is instrumental in turning conservation goals into reality. The collaboration between environmental science and engineering allows us to develop well-rounded, impactful solutions that benefit both our natural resources and the communities we serve. I really appreciate coming into an organization that already has such a fantastic reputation for this integrated approach.
What brought you to the River Authority?
I’ve been at the River Authority for just over a year. My career has always revolved around river authorities and water districts. Both the Trinity River Authority and Tarrant Regional Water District are workplaces that have heavily influenced my career, and I’m excited to take those experiences and bring them into my current work.
Standing next to the largest gate valve in the world that was used to transport water for East Texas to Fort Worth!
The spillway gates at Lake Livingston releasing Trinity River flood waters in 2020.
When the River Authority approached me with the opportunity to come and interview for this position, the leadership and the staff I met convinced me that this was the place I needed to be. Their enthusiasm and expertise just blew me away. Every week that I’ve been here seems like there is something that reminds me we made the absolutely perfect decision to leave North Texas behind and make South Texas our home.
Did you have any prior experiences with the San Antonio River?
Well, it’s kind of fortuitous. During one of my last classes at Texas A&M University, I went on a class field trip exploring the San Antonio River, including many River Authority facilities. Had I known all those years ago that I would be back here having such an influential role in operations and engineering, I would have done a double backflip! I feel like I am a better person for having collected those experiences and taken that long winding road to get here, but I got here. To get a chance to live out the rest of my adult life here has been a dream come true.
What is an upcoming project that you are excited about?
One big project right now focuses on constructed and managed wetlands. These wetlands both help with nutrient removal and function as a buffer for when they receive excessive floodwaters. They help to slow down the rain runoff, which brings the temperature of the stormwater down before it hits the river and reduces potential harm to the ecology of the river.
A constructed wetland along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk.
Right now, we are also focusing on conversations about “productive” flooding with our environmental scientists. Flooding is essential to certain species of fish and wildlife along the river that live in floodplains. For example, Alligator Gar need these floodplain areas to reproduce. If we remove all the floodplain, then we remove their habitat. So, we want to reduce the damaging and property threatening part of floods while keeping their ecological benefits.
About Steve Metzler, PE, CCM, PMP, Director of Water Resources
In January 2024, Steven became the Director of Water Resources at the San Antonio River Authority, where he supervises the Engineering and Environmental Sciences departments. Together, they are dedicated to monitoring, assessing, and enhancing water quality and flood mitigation efforts within the San Antonio River Basin.
Learn more about Steven and his role at the River Authority.
