Essential Utilities Inc. has announced Daniel Ramirez-Cisneros as the new President of Aqua Texas. Ramirez-Cisneros, previously the Director of Operations for Aqua Texas, will oversee Aqua’s water and wastewater operations across the state, guiding capital investment, regulatory compliance, and customer service during a pivotal phase of growth. The appointment is part of the company’s long-term succession plan to maintain leadership continuity.
“Daniel brings the right mix of operational strength, financial fluency, and water-sector insight to lead Aqua Texas forward,” said Colleen Arnold, Aqua President. “He’s already delivering results on the ground, and with Texas as one of our fastest-growing markets, his leadership will be instrumental in scaling responsibly and advancing critical infrastructure.”
This transition comes as Aqua Texas plans significant capital investments in the coming years focusing on operational optimization, including remote monitoring (SCADA), water and wastewater plant expansion, water supply renewal, main replacement, PFAS mitigation, and route and labor efficiency projects.
Previously, Ramirez-Cisneros served as Utilities Manager for the Puerto Rico Financial Oversight Board, where he was instrumental in the development of a $5 billion recovery plan and oversaw a $1 billion infrastructure budget for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority. He also held roles with 374Water and began his career in institutional finance at the Bank of Montreal. Ramirez-Cisneros holds a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.
This announcement comes after the retirement of Aqua Texas President Craig Blanchette, who steps down following a distinguished 17-year career with the company spanning multiple regions. Blanchette began his career with Aqua in 2008 in Illinois. He served as President of Illinois from 2014 until he was named President of Texas in 2022, where he focused on improving the customer experience and navigating the state’s unique water challenges and opportunities.
“It’s a privilege to lead Aqua Texas at a time when the state is making historic investments in water infrastructure,” said Ramirez-Cisneros. “I’m grateful for Craig’s example and excited to work with our team to modernize systems, strengthen community partnerships, and deliver reliable service for the next generation.”
