As Texas cities experience an increase in incidents associated with water quality contamination, the need for public education and engagement increases. The discussion in this paper identifies, based on publicly available data, three of the most common incidents in Texas related to drinking water and environmental contamination: boil water notices (BWNs), sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and lead in drinking water. Trends observed from 2011 to 2016 indicate a sharp upward increase in the incidents of such events. Increased frequency of incidents that threaten water quality often erodes public trust in the city and utility, thus making it more difficult in the long term to get public support for increased investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. The recommendations in this study focus on how to manage communications when events associated with water quality create a public relations challenge for city and utility leaders.
Read MoreThe Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council's Report to the Legislature on the progress of water conservation in Texas.
Read MoreThis activity is designed for students to analyze water use at their schools and to raise awareness about water conservation, correlating with TEKS 112.37 and 112.36.
Read MoreFacts about Texas water and simple steps to appreciate, conserve and protect our most valuable resource.
Read MoreDatos sobre el agua de Texas y pasos sencillos para apreciar, conservar y proteger nuestro recurso más valioso.
Read MoreThis brief summarizes the need for and approaches to policy and educational programming on the importance of municipal, agricultural, and industrial water conservation.
Read MoreThis publication describes the purpose and role of groundwater conservation districts in Texas.
Read MoreThis publication describes the science of groundwater in Texas, Texas groundwater law, and the roles and responsibilities of groundwater conservation districts.
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