A new water director has been appointed for the city of Corpus Christi amid controversy surrounding the several water crises that have tormented the city since 2015. 
City Manager Margie C. Rose appointed Clarence Wittwer on the morning of Feb. 6. 
At a glance, Wittwer is an ideal candidate for the job. He has more than 25 years of experience in the utilities industry, managed water and wastewater treatment plants of various sizes, and worked in both the private and public sectors. 
Wittwer holds certifications in utility operations, emergency management and shelter/mass casualty management. In 2004, Wittwer was honored with the Texas Water Utilities Association Leadership Award. 
“Mr. Wittwer brings extensive utility experience to Corpus Christi along with having rare Class A licenses for both water and wastewater operations,” stated Rose in a media release. 
According to the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, a Class A license for both water and wastewater operations is the highest license possible. The license has the most rigorous education and work experience requirements. The licensee also must be well-versed in rules and regulations for public water systems and drinking water standards. 
Most important, a Class A water operator should know “how to plan, organize and implement an emergency management program related to disaster preparedness.” 
This is crucial to Corpus Christi as water-quality issues have plagued the city. Residents faced three boil-water notices in a 10-month period between July 2015 and May 2016. Then, in December, the city went through its worst water crisis yet: Most residents of Corpus Christi went four days without being able to use or even touch their water over fear a chemical spill in the industrial district had contaminated the city’s drinking water supply — an issue that made national news. 
Wittwer will be under intense scrutiny in his new role, but Rose is certain he is up to the task of turning the department around. 
“He understands our most recent water issues and is ready to lead the water department in facing those challenges," Rose asserted.