Water Equity

Water access, management and quality often reflect broader social inequities.  Water equity occurs when all communities and households play a role in decision‑making processes related to water management and…

water_drop

…have access to safe, clean, affordable drinking water and wastewater services.

1
favorite

…share in the economic, social, and environmental benefits of water systems.

2
apartment

…are resilient in the face of floods, droughts, and other climate risks.

3

Water Equity

Here in Houston, challenges related to water equity will be directly explored with the community as part of One Water Houston and might include:

  • Flood Vulnerability
    • Historically marginalized communities can be located in flood‑prone areas and struggle the most to recover from natural disasters.
  • Disparities in Infrastructure Investment
    • National trends indicate that underserved communities face more frequent water main breaks, poorer water quality, and flooding due to delayed investment.
  • Limited Representation
    • Lack of community involvement in water decision‑making leads to policies that neglect the needs of vulnerable populations.
  • Polluted Waterways
    • Industrial zones and urban runoff have polluted bayous, impacting the health and safety of some nearby communities.
Houston bayou background One Water droplet icon

One Water Houston will…

Engage the public, community organizations, customers, and partner agencies collaboratively – as participants in water management and stewardship.

Prioritize strategies, policies and projects that cultivate thriving neighborhoods and remove barriers to safe, clean water and wastewater services.

Leverage technology and innovative approaches to provide affordable, accessible and reliable services to meet the needs of current and future Houstonians.

Initiate and institute policies, programs and organizational changes to achieve Houston’s vision of a One Water city.