Public Involvement and Outreach

Many people do not realize daily behaviors, including not picking up pet waste, pouring fats, oils and grease down the drain, and lack of maintenance and repair of on-site sewage facilities (OSSF) can cause significant water quality issues. Effective public outreach and education programs designed to raise awareness and influence behavioral changes are a crucial part of the watershed management process.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) informs and educates citizens and local governments about watershed stewardship and existing water quality issues through a variety of methods including; developing and distributing publications, providing educational information at special events, hosting workshops and forums, providing data in interactive and analytical formats, maintaining informative websites, and providing other community education and volunteer opportunities. H-GAC also provides opportunities for stakeholders to learn more about local water quality problems and solicits stakeholder assistance in resolving these problems.