San Antonio Water System

Burton came to SAWS in 2006 to serve as intergovernmental & external relations manager. Prior to joining SAWS, Burton worked for a local Texas state representative through five legislative sessions, where he served as the legislative committee director. His experience with the legislative process and state agency rulemaking and extensive knowledge in statewide and San Antonio water policy has helped SAWS through historic legislative and executive initiatives.

As senior vice president of Water Resources & Governmental Relations, Burton develops, manages and maintains an abundant water supply for SAWS. He also oversees one of the nation’s largest water public-private partnership (P3) efforts — the Vista Ridge regional water supply project. Additionally, he continues to lead the regional, state and federal governmental relations and policy efforts for the utility.

Burton received a bachelor’s degree in government from The University of Texas at Austin. He served overseas in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 1993.

Water Resources and Governmental Relations

The Water Resources and Governmental Relations Group is responsible for developing, managing and maintaining an abundant water supply for one of the nation’s largest municipally-owned water utilities, in a fast-growing region in Texas.

Responsibilities include:

Water Resources – Plans, develops and implements long-term, sustainable water supply projects, including the Vista Ridge Regional Water Supply Project.

Resource Protection & Compliance – Ensures water quality of the Edwards Aquifer is protected; enforces the regulatory requirements established to protect regional water quality; monitors best management practices at construction sites; utilizes an extensive sampling and monitoring network for compliance purposes.

Laboratory Services – Provides analytical services including sample testing, environmental and safety tests, regulatory reporting, analytical planning, training and quality assurance. The lab is certified by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference.

Governmental Relations – Manages key strategic relationships with elected officials and agencies at the regional, state and federal levels.