Team History

The Fort Worth Water Works Swimming Team was formed in 1981. From it's grass roots beginnings, the program has experienced many storied activities and accomplishments.

During the summer of 1981, Chuck Burr (the teams' founder) began spreading the word throughout west Fort Worth that he was starting a new United States Swimming sanctioned team, which was going to begin practicing in September. Fliers were printed and distributed to all the area summer league swimming programs. A significant direct mail-out campaign took place. Excitement was in the air about this new and exciting team. A very large turn-out was expected at the first day of practice. Expectations were not met when only one swimmer showed up for the first practice.

From that humble beginning, it took 6 months before Fort Worth Water Works had it's 10th swimmer join the team. The team conducted all their swim practices that first season in the Fort Worth Athletic Club's indoor 3 lane, 20 yard pool. Even so, within the first year, the team produced its first Texas Age Group Swimming Championship (T.A.G.S.) qualifier. Soon after, the word of this new team began to spread.

During the 1980's, Fort Worth Water Works (a coach run program) produced one United States Olympic Trials qualifier, a Junior National Champion, and numerous T.A.G.S. champions and qualifiers. Along with attaining swimming accolades, many team members used swimming to instill discipline, good sportsmanship and a strong commitment to team and self. They also better understood that through swimming, they could learn lifelong lessons on the benefits of a healthy body, mind,and spirit.

By the Fall of 1988, Fort Worth Water Works rostered over 150 active members coached by 5 on-deck coaches. Chuck Burr continued to direct the team, yet realized that his outside business ventures needed more of his time and attention. In October 1988, Burr stepped aside and channeled his efforts in private business. By the end of the year, the team merged with another Fort Worth swim team and the name - Fort Worth Water Works - was dropped.

During the summer of 2005, Burr began to field inquiries about bringing back the "old" Fort Worth Water Works. A team of professional coaches was formulated led by Brian Miller (1650 freestyle Masters National Champion) and Kim Macklin (1984 United States Olympic team member). In keeping with the teams' history, Water Works 2 was chosen as the name for this new/old club. The second edition of the team, now into it's third year, has nearly 100 active members. The same philosophy of "experiencing the FUN of competitive swimming through positive reinforcement" is a trait that has many area youths joining the team.