How's the Water? Basin Highlights Reports Available Online
The H-GAC Clean Rivers Program publishes an annual report for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
summarizing the state of water quality in the region. The 2019 Basin Highlights Report includes a water quality summary and trends analysis for all watershed segments in the H-GAC Clean Rivers Program region. It also provides updates on related water quality projects and outreach activities. The annual reports are accessible online with interactive maps, photos, and graphics.
The H-GAC Clean Rivers Program publishes an annual report for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
summarizing the state of water quality in the region. The 2019 Basin Highlights Report includes a water quality summary and trends analysis for all watershed segments in the H-GAC Clean Rivers Program region. It also provides updates on related water quality projects and outreach activities. The annual reports are accessible online with interactive maps, photos, and graphics.
FEATURED programS
ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES
H-GAC WASTEWATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Wastewater Assistance Program helps with repair and/or replacement of failing on-site sewage facilities (septic or aerobic systems) for low-income homeowners in coastal communities. Potential applicants and qualified installers for the program are encouraged to contact [email protected] or 713-993-2438 or visit the H-GAC website for more information.
H-GAC HOMEOWNER EDUCATION COURSE
Regular maintenance and inspection of a system can protect public and environmental health, increase system longevity, and protect private property use and value. The goal of this course is to reduce the number of failing on-site sewage systems in the Houston-Galveston region and improve overall water quality. During this free three-hour course, participants will receive an overview of the two types of systems, information on system maintenance and inspection, and details on available resources to maintain, repair and replace aging systems.
This course is designed to instruct and educate homeowners on the basics of septic system and onsite sewage facility (OSSF) maintenance and visual inspection. It does not provide for or allow homeowners to inspect their own aerobic system in place of a maintenance contract. To request a copy of course materials (English or Spanish), see additional resource materials, or for more information, please contact ossf@h-gac.com or call 713-993-2438.
H-GAC REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION COURSE
For more information, please contact ossf@h-gac.com or call 713-993-2438.
See H-GAC's materials.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority offers an online training program with videos to illustrate proper septic system function and maintenance to ensure efficiency and to extend the life of the system.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's OnSite Wastewater Treatment Training Program short courses and trainings educate homeowners and improve skills for installers, site evaluators, and designers of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
FATS, OILS, GREASE
Proper disposal keeps fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of sewers and septic systems and avoids plumbing emergencies. Check out the TCEQ information about this issue. H-GAC supports the program with the "Defeat the Grease Monster" interactive educational exhibit and materials. H-GAC can provide funnels and fat scrapers for you in limited quantities for events, meetings, etc. See H-GAC's materials.
The Galveston Bay Foundation's Cease the Grease program offers education and outreach information and materials, and cooking oil recycling locations. GBF has an outreach kit for homeowner associations and community groups. It provides GBF resources for Cease the Grease and other programs that benefit homeowners and the neighborhoods they live in. Materials are available in English and Spanish.
The City of Houston's new Protect Our Pipes campaign provides resources to educate residents on how they can help prevent sewer overflows in their community. Visit the campaign webpage for more information and to download flyers, infographics, factsheets, and videos for online and print distribution. You can contact the campaign at [email protected].
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority offers an online training program to address management practices for handling fats, oils, grease, and household chemical use and disposal. The training is geared toward both businesses and homeowners.
Some paper products and wipes are advertised as flushable but they aren’t. Sure, they will flush down, but they won’t flush OUT. Wipes won’t decompose… they get caught up in wastewater treatment plant screens and filters — and that costs money to clear and repair and make FOG a more severe problem. Get information and materials about what NOT to flush from Patty Potty, part of the Save Water Texas Coalition Program.
PET WASTE
H-GAC's Pet Waste Pollutes web page provides information about the hazards of improper disposal of pet waste. It offers links to existing programs and ordinances regarding pet waste. H-GAC also offers "Pitch the Poop," an interactive game used to promote discussion about pet waste disposal. Limited supplies of pet waste bag dispensers are available upon request. Local governments should contact [email protected] for information about our pet waste station program for parks, trails and other public areas.
See H-GAC's materials.
LITTER AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
H-GAC's Solid Waste Program has resources and tools for local governments and organizations to use to educate their residents. Resources include social media graphics and captions, videos, flyers, brochures, and more on the topics of litter, illegal dumping, recycling, disaster debris, and household hazardous waste.
Join the fight against filth. Become part of the award-winning River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash. Next year's event will be held on March 27, 2021. A new site was added in 2019 in Brazoria County at Dunbar Park.
Adopt a Spot! Get your community's litter and illegal dumping hotspots on a statewide map to get them adopted for regular cleaning. Trash Free Texas is a simple, map-based tool for local governments to upload places that need to be cleaned. Then residents, organizations, and companies can sign up to adopt and clean those spots. You can help by sharing the following types of data: description, coordinates, type, status and name of locations, and contact information. Please contact [email protected] or 713-993-2469 for more information. A recording of the online training for the Adopt-A-Spot Tool is available on YouTube.
Don't know where to report water pollution, including trash? Galveston Bay Foundation has created the Galveston Bay Action Network (GBAN) application for computer and smartphone. GBAN is a pollution reporting and monitoring app for reporting litter and other sources of pollution across the four counties that touch Galveston Bay (Brazoria, Chambers, Harris, and Galveston Counties). The app is linked to all national, state, and local governmental agencies that are involved with water pollution cleanup and human health monitoring. Pollution sources found in the bay can also be monitored from the app. The interactive map allows for different pollution layers to be selected and viewed.
Report a Litterer. When you see litter thrown or flying out of a vehicle, intentionally or accidentally, take down the following information—license plate number, make and color of vehicle, date and time, location, who tossed the litter, and what was tossed. Then simply report it online to Don't Mess with Texas or by using the Texas Report a Litterer app for your iPhone or Android phone.
RECYCLING
Where to recycle? Find locations near you that accept and recycle more than 350 products and materials, using one of North America’s most extensive recycling databases. With over 350 materials and 100,000+ listings, Earth911.com maintains one of North America's most extensive recycling databases. Simply dial 1-800-CLEANUP, or simply enter in the material you are trying to recycle along with your zip code and click search.
How to recycle? Earth911.com has also gathered all the information you need to properly recycle hundreds of different materials into Recycle Guides. Find out what can be recycled, what steps you need to take to prepare items for recycling, and more in easy-to-use guides.
Improving recycling? As a leading, national force for improving recycling, The Recycling Partnership puts private dollars to work in communities because when there is investment in a system to protect resources, empower sustainable action and unlock opportunity, everyone wins. The Partnership drives measurable sustainability through Grants, Technical Assistance, and Tools | Research, Measurement, and Best Practices | Partnerships | Scale. Be sure to visit the Engage Your Residents section for free resources and tools.
Rural Recycling? Cooperative Teamwork & Recycling Assistance (CTRA) is a nonprofit organization based on the concept of cooperative marketing. Today, CTRA consists of 60 rural recycling cooperatives representing more than 500 public, private and nonprofit entities. The organization's mission is to provide cooperative marketing of recyclable commodities, to promote the development of end-markets for recyclables in Texas (and beyond!) and to promote education about recycling. It serves as a their liaison between the public and private sector by negotiating contracts with haulers and end-market at competitive prices. The collection, transport and sale of recyclables, especially for smaller communities and remote areas, was coordinated by CTRA through their contractors. CTRA also helps community recycling programs to effectively increase the amount and quality of collected recycled materials as well as maximize the efforts of those already recycling. Quality control at the cooperative level can impact the processor or the mill's willingness to negotiate contracts. CTRA charges no membership dues or fees; the only charge is a 10% administrative fee on all recyclable sales. Interested in an informational packet? Please send your request, contact information & mailing address to [email protected] or 512-236-1134.
H-GAC WASTEWATER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Wastewater Assistance Program helps with repair and/or replacement of failing on-site sewage facilities (septic or aerobic systems) for low-income homeowners in coastal communities. Potential applicants and qualified installers for the program are encouraged to contact [email protected] or 713-993-2438 or visit the H-GAC website for more information.
H-GAC HOMEOWNER EDUCATION COURSE
Regular maintenance and inspection of a system can protect public and environmental health, increase system longevity, and protect private property use and value. The goal of this course is to reduce the number of failing on-site sewage systems in the Houston-Galveston region and improve overall water quality. During this free three-hour course, participants will receive an overview of the two types of systems, information on system maintenance and inspection, and details on available resources to maintain, repair and replace aging systems.
This course is designed to instruct and educate homeowners on the basics of septic system and onsite sewage facility (OSSF) maintenance and visual inspection. It does not provide for or allow homeowners to inspect their own aerobic system in place of a maintenance contract. To request a copy of course materials (English or Spanish), see additional resource materials, or for more information, please contact ossf@h-gac.com or call 713-993-2438.
H-GAC REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS EDUCATION COURSE
For more information, please contact ossf@h-gac.com or call 713-993-2438.
See H-GAC's materials.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority offers an online training program with videos to illustrate proper septic system function and maintenance to ensure efficiency and to extend the life of the system.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's OnSite Wastewater Treatment Training Program short courses and trainings educate homeowners and improve skills for installers, site evaluators, and designers of onsite wastewater treatment systems.
FATS, OILS, GREASE
Proper disposal keeps fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of sewers and septic systems and avoids plumbing emergencies. Check out the TCEQ information about this issue. H-GAC supports the program with the "Defeat the Grease Monster" interactive educational exhibit and materials. H-GAC can provide funnels and fat scrapers for you in limited quantities for events, meetings, etc. See H-GAC's materials.
The Galveston Bay Foundation's Cease the Grease program offers education and outreach information and materials, and cooking oil recycling locations. GBF has an outreach kit for homeowner associations and community groups. It provides GBF resources for Cease the Grease and other programs that benefit homeowners and the neighborhoods they live in. Materials are available in English and Spanish.
The City of Houston's new Protect Our Pipes campaign provides resources to educate residents on how they can help prevent sewer overflows in their community. Visit the campaign webpage for more information and to download flyers, infographics, factsheets, and videos for online and print distribution. You can contact the campaign at [email protected].
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority offers an online training program to address management practices for handling fats, oils, grease, and household chemical use and disposal. The training is geared toward both businesses and homeowners.
Some paper products and wipes are advertised as flushable but they aren’t. Sure, they will flush down, but they won’t flush OUT. Wipes won’t decompose… they get caught up in wastewater treatment plant screens and filters — and that costs money to clear and repair and make FOG a more severe problem. Get information and materials about what NOT to flush from Patty Potty, part of the Save Water Texas Coalition Program.
PET WASTE
H-GAC's Pet Waste Pollutes web page provides information about the hazards of improper disposal of pet waste. It offers links to existing programs and ordinances regarding pet waste. H-GAC also offers "Pitch the Poop," an interactive game used to promote discussion about pet waste disposal. Limited supplies of pet waste bag dispensers are available upon request. Local governments should contact [email protected] for information about our pet waste station program for parks, trails and other public areas.
See H-GAC's materials.
LITTER AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
H-GAC's Solid Waste Program has resources and tools for local governments and organizations to use to educate their residents. Resources include social media graphics and captions, videos, flyers, brochures, and more on the topics of litter, illegal dumping, recycling, disaster debris, and household hazardous waste.
Join the fight against filth. Become part of the award-winning River, Lakes, Bays 'N Bayous Trash Bash. Next year's event will be held on March 27, 2021. A new site was added in 2019 in Brazoria County at Dunbar Park.
Adopt a Spot! Get your community's litter and illegal dumping hotspots on a statewide map to get them adopted for regular cleaning. Trash Free Texas is a simple, map-based tool for local governments to upload places that need to be cleaned. Then residents, organizations, and companies can sign up to adopt and clean those spots. You can help by sharing the following types of data: description, coordinates, type, status and name of locations, and contact information. Please contact [email protected] or 713-993-2469 for more information. A recording of the online training for the Adopt-A-Spot Tool is available on YouTube.
Don't know where to report water pollution, including trash? Galveston Bay Foundation has created the Galveston Bay Action Network (GBAN) application for computer and smartphone. GBAN is a pollution reporting and monitoring app for reporting litter and other sources of pollution across the four counties that touch Galveston Bay (Brazoria, Chambers, Harris, and Galveston Counties). The app is linked to all national, state, and local governmental agencies that are involved with water pollution cleanup and human health monitoring. Pollution sources found in the bay can also be monitored from the app. The interactive map allows for different pollution layers to be selected and viewed.
Report a Litterer. When you see litter thrown or flying out of a vehicle, intentionally or accidentally, take down the following information—license plate number, make and color of vehicle, date and time, location, who tossed the litter, and what was tossed. Then simply report it online to Don't Mess with Texas or by using the Texas Report a Litterer app for your iPhone or Android phone.
RECYCLING
Where to recycle? Find locations near you that accept and recycle more than 350 products and materials, using one of North America’s most extensive recycling databases. With over 350 materials and 100,000+ listings, Earth911.com maintains one of North America's most extensive recycling databases. Simply dial 1-800-CLEANUP, or simply enter in the material you are trying to recycle along with your zip code and click search.
How to recycle? Earth911.com has also gathered all the information you need to properly recycle hundreds of different materials into Recycle Guides. Find out what can be recycled, what steps you need to take to prepare items for recycling, and more in easy-to-use guides.
Improving recycling? As a leading, national force for improving recycling, The Recycling Partnership puts private dollars to work in communities because when there is investment in a system to protect resources, empower sustainable action and unlock opportunity, everyone wins. The Partnership drives measurable sustainability through Grants, Technical Assistance, and Tools | Research, Measurement, and Best Practices | Partnerships | Scale. Be sure to visit the Engage Your Residents section for free resources and tools.
Rural Recycling? Cooperative Teamwork & Recycling Assistance (CTRA) is a nonprofit organization based on the concept of cooperative marketing. Today, CTRA consists of 60 rural recycling cooperatives representing more than 500 public, private and nonprofit entities. The organization's mission is to provide cooperative marketing of recyclable commodities, to promote the development of end-markets for recyclables in Texas (and beyond!) and to promote education about recycling. It serves as a their liaison between the public and private sector by negotiating contracts with haulers and end-market at competitive prices. The collection, transport and sale of recyclables, especially for smaller communities and remote areas, was coordinated by CTRA through their contractors. CTRA also helps community recycling programs to effectively increase the amount and quality of collected recycled materials as well as maximize the efforts of those already recycling. Quality control at the cooperative level can impact the processor or the mill's willingness to negotiate contracts. CTRA charges no membership dues or fees; the only charge is a 10% administrative fee on all recyclable sales. Interested in an informational packet? Please send your request, contact information & mailing address to [email protected] or 512-236-1134.
COMPLEMENTARY programS
The Texas Stream Team program (TST) is a network of trained volunteers and supportive partners who collect quality-assured water quality data from local waterbodies. TST is a cooperative partnership between Texas State University, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More than 400 TST volunteers collect water quality data on lakes, rivers, and streams in programs across the state. Learn about H-GAC's Texas Stream Team certified water quality monitoring online.
The H-GAC Clean Rivers Program Basin Steering Committee discusses water quality issues identified through assessment processes. The diverse committee represents counties, cities, state agencies, environmental groups, local industries, and residents.
Through the H-GAC Clean Waters Initiative workshop series, local governments, landowners, and residents learn effective strategies to reduce pollution in local waterways, while connecting with diverse stakeholder groups.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Designing for Impact project provides information and strategies for educating the public about low-impact development (LID) functions, benefits, and solutions to overcome barriers to implementation. This project includes a LID guide for local governments and an interactive mapping tool highlighting LID projects already implemented in the region.
Local residents can get involved in the Texas Watershed Steward Program learn about their watersheds, impairments, and concerns, and the steps to improve water quality through one-day workshops and online courses.
In the Lone Star Healthy Streams Program, farmers, ranchers, and landowners review proper grazing, feral hog management, and riparian area protection with workshops and an informative website.
The Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) program is an educational training program for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their drinking water needs and want to become familiar with Texas’ groundwater sources, water quality, water treatment, and well maintenance issues.
The Texas Rural Leadership Program (TRLP) offers leadership development training in communities through its TRLP Leaders-In-Action Workshop Series. TRLP partners with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M University Public Partnership & Outreach. For more information about what TRLP offers, visit https://trlp.tamu.edu/ or contact Craig Rotter at 979-587-1992.
The H-GAC Clean Rivers Program Basin Steering Committee discusses water quality issues identified through assessment processes. The diverse committee represents counties, cities, state agencies, environmental groups, local industries, and residents.
Through the H-GAC Clean Waters Initiative workshop series, local governments, landowners, and residents learn effective strategies to reduce pollution in local waterways, while connecting with diverse stakeholder groups.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Designing for Impact project provides information and strategies for educating the public about low-impact development (LID) functions, benefits, and solutions to overcome barriers to implementation. This project includes a LID guide for local governments and an interactive mapping tool highlighting LID projects already implemented in the region.
Local residents can get involved in the Texas Watershed Steward Program learn about their watersheds, impairments, and concerns, and the steps to improve water quality through one-day workshops and online courses.
In the Lone Star Healthy Streams Program, farmers, ranchers, and landowners review proper grazing, feral hog management, and riparian area protection with workshops and an informative website.
The Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) program is an educational training program for Texas residents who depend on household wells for their drinking water needs and want to become familiar with Texas’ groundwater sources, water quality, water treatment, and well maintenance issues.
The Texas Rural Leadership Program (TRLP) offers leadership development training in communities through its TRLP Leaders-In-Action Workshop Series. TRLP partners with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M University Public Partnership & Outreach. For more information about what TRLP offers, visit https://trlp.tamu.edu/ or contact Craig Rotter at 979-587-1992.
This program and website are funded in part by the TCEQ through a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Copyright H-GAC 2017 - All Rights Reserved.
Copyright H-GAC 2017 - All Rights Reserved.