Texas Water Development Board Collaborates with Texas Water Foundation on Statewide Water Awareness Campaign
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and Texas Water Foundation (TWF) are proud to commence efforts to develop a new campaign aimed at enhancing water awareness across the state with funding from the Texas Water Fund.
Through a grant contract, the TWDB and TWF will create a statewide awareness campaign designed to educate the public about water. The campaign will account for the different water needs of various geographic regions and complement existing local and regional water education or awareness programs, including TWF’s Texas Runs on Water® campaign.
“A statewide water campaign of this magnitude has tremendous potential to make a positive impact for generations of Texans to come,” said TWDB Chairwoman L’Oreal Stepney. “The TWDB and Texas Water Foundation share a commitment to greater public understanding and appreciation of Texas water. The new campaign will further support communities in solving water challenges.”
The 88th Texas Legislature directed the TWDB to develop and implement a statewide water public awareness program with money from the Texas Water Fund, which led to the TWDB publishing a request for applications in March 2024. After careful consideration of eligible applications, the TWDB Executive Administrator recommended TWF, and the Board approved executing a one-year, $2 million grant contract with up to four annual renewals not to exceed a total of $10 million.
Together, the TWDB and TWF will leverage the ongoing success of Texas Runs on Water and its network of water partners to design the new complementary awareness campaign.
"The decision to collaborate with the TWDB builds on more than two decades of vision and commitment from TWF and water champions dedicated to statewide investment in water education,” says Sarah Schlessinger, Texas Water Foundation CEO. “We’re proud that Texas Runs on Water has been recognized as a model for inspiring water awareness. This collaboration builds on our momentum as we continue investing in Texas’ most essential resource."
About the Texas Water Development Board
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is the state agency charged with collecting and disseminating water-related data, assisting with regional water and flood planning, and preparing the state water and flood plans. The TWDB administers cost-effective financial assistance programs for the construction of water supply, wastewater treatment, flood mitigation, and agricultural water conservation projects.
About Texas Water Foundation
Texas Water Foundation is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to lead Texas into a secure water future. Established in 1998, its original objective was to raise public awareness among all Texans regarding the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Today, Texas Water Foundation has grown its vision to include investing in the next generation of water leaders, equipping informed decision makers, and inspiring water advocates across Texas through a statewide water campaign called Texas Runs on Water. The award-winning Texas Runs on Water campaign inspires water awareness through localized initiatives, linking the value of water to Texas pride. Designed as an umbrella concept that can be tailored to local water priorities and community values, its reach has garnered millions of impressions across Houston, the Panhandle, the Hill Country, and throughout the state.