Yvonne W. Forrest, Senior Assistant Director

Education and Outreach Program
Phone: 832.395.3790

The  Education and Outreach Program is a section of Drinking Water Operations (DWO) Branch, Public Utilities Division, Department of Public Works and Engineering. The education and outreach staff is proud to represent more than 300 City water professionals who produce some of the best quality drinking water in the nation.

Our goals include:

Educating citizens about Houston’s water resources and the City’s commitment to protecting public health by providing our customers with high quality drinking water;

Empowering citizens to use water wisely;

Encouraging citizens to be good water stewards, and to share their water knowledge with others;

Explaining how the City and the public can work together to protect our water resources and ensure an adequate and safe water supply to meet future demands.

Water Education Tools

Water Education Speakers – Do you know where your water comes from and how it gets to and from your home? There is always something new to learn about water and water issues. We provide speakers and educational materials for students and adults at schools, businesses and community meetings.  Call 832-395-3790 for more information. 

WaterWorks Education Center + Museum – Make plans to visit the WaterWorks Education Center + Museum and discover the wonders of water. Opening in early 2010, WaterWorks will serve as a regional clearinghouse and education center for water-related efforts in Texas. Visitors will learn about Houston’s water supply, water science, water treatment and related career opportunities, and how we can ensure adequate water supply for the future. Museum visitors will travel through each stage of the water treatment process from a water drop’s point of view.  Students can climb aboard the “S.S. Lake Houston” and perform water quality tests.  Citizens will examine the difference between natural contaminants and other pollutants, and understand how each of us play a role in protecting our water resources.

Water Conservation

Adopt-an-Esplanade Program – Working to educate wise water use on our green areas, Drinking Water Operations educates about and audits the Houston Parks and Recreation Department's Adopt an Esplanade program. The City may accept the donation of esplanade irrigation systems that meet certain specifications. This effort is designed to manage the water consumption and maintenance of irrigation systems. For more information visit the web site at HPARD Adoption Programs.

Source Water Protection

106 SSR (SEPTIC SYSTEM REMOVAL) Grant - Currently Lake Houston area homeowners who are inside the City of Houston limits may apply for assistance to upgrade or replace existing septic systems. This grant, with funding provided in by TCEQ and the EPA, is part of a larger effort to protect Lake Houston from pollutants. Click here for the City of Houston SSR (Septic System Removal) Program Information.

Outreach Tools

Festivals and Special Events - We participate in a variety of local events including Earth Day celebrations, school festivals, and corporate health fairs and other environmentally focused community events.  

Proud Partner - The City of Houston's Public Utilites Division, Drinking Water Operations section is a proud partner of the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense® Program. Click on this link for more information.  

WaterWorks for Houston Festival - Drinking Water Operations sponsors the annual festival for thousands of students, educators and the public as part of National Drinking Water Week.

This year’s festival was themed, “Protecting Our Water Resources.” Visitors met with representatives from organizations dedicated to the protection of water from storm to the bay. Featured presenters were Public Works and Engineering divisions who provide water services to the citizens of the Houston region. Students of all ages participated in specific activities to enhance their water knowledge.

T-Shirt Design Winner: Alejandro Lopez of D.R.A.W. Academy

 Art Contest Winner: Patricia Wells of Jesse Jones High School
 

LAKE HOUSTON TRASH BASH - We coordinate the annual Lake Houston Trash Bash and partner with hundreds of volunteers to remove debris from Lake Houston, one of our primary sources for drinking water. Click on the image below for previous  Trash Bash details.

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