Vince Clause Joins Freese and Nichols to Lead Expanded Groundwater Services
Access to water is personal for Hydrogeologist Vince Clause.
When he was growing up, water was scarce in his rural community in northwest Harris County. Some days, he woke up to no tap water at home. On others, brown water oozed out of the faucet when turned on. There were weeks when no water reached homes at all.
“You know that can be very disheartening,” Vince said. “Having these water scarcity issues is something that I don’t want to have happen to anyone else in this state. And so, it is something that I’m very passionate about because of some of my experiences as a young child.”
Identifying diversified and sustainable water supply sources for communities drives Vince, who has joined Freese and Nichols to oversee the expansion of our groundwater services offerings.
With more than 10 years in groundwater consulting, working with groundwater conservation districts, state agencies, and others in the water industry, Vince is a groundwater services leader with statewide experience. He is a licensed Professional Geologist and a Certified Geographic Information Science Professional and has specialized in mapping and evaluating groundwater resources and has led studies in more than 70 Texas counties and across 23 distinct aquifer systems.
Jason Afinowicz, group manager and practice leader for Water Resource Planning, said Vince will oversee the implementation of projects that provide sustainable water solutions for the communities we serve. Effective stewardship of water resources requires the development of innovative and environmentally sound groundwater strategies that clients can use, and Vince is up to the task.
“He really represents a leader who can focus on and champion groundwater efforts in our company,” Jason said. “It’s bringing a one-stop shop to our clients seeking to expand their water portfolios.”
Vince has authored several reports and articles focused on aquifer characterization. The studies included comprehensive aquifer datasets, remote sensing analysis, screening and interpretation of oil and gas records, and engagement with the community.
He said he sees groundwater as the path forward in discussions of water supply strategies. Solving the water crisis will require assembling the right people to develop “creative, innovative solutions and strategies,” he said.
“There’s currently not enough water to go around. Different geographies are implementing different strategies right now to secure their water future,” Vince said. “We value and respect water resources across the state and are developing a more integrated or holistic approach to how we manage those resources.
“Groundwater is another tool in the toolbox for water providers, as it relates to making sure that they’re diversified and being able to offer those robust water-related services. Specifically, as we start looking at the impacts of climate variability, that’s ultimately what’s at stake here as it relates to our surface water supplies.”
Vince is a University of Texas at Austin Environmental Science Institute Advisory Council member.
He received bachelor’s degrees in geography and the environment and government and a master’s in geography and the environment, all from The University of Texas at Austin.