Houston and the surrounding areas have been sinking for years. One of the factors that contributes to this is the way the region obtains its water.

Water is pumped from wells that tap into aquifers, which are underground sources of water. When large quantities of water are pulled from the aquifers, which are porous like a sponge, the gaps that are left behind collapse and the land sinks. Once this happens, the collapse is permanent. The land does not re-expand, even when there is substantial rainfall. This process is called subsidence. One entire subdivision along the coast sank so much that it was covered in water and had to be abandoned.

The Texas Legislature formed the Harris Galveston Subsidence District to tackle this problem. It was determined that water would have to be brought into Houston from lakes, rivers and reservoirs. In our area, the authority tasked with accomplishing this transaction is the West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA). The infrastructure that has to be built to transport the water is very costly. The legislature did not provide funding for this endeavor, so residents are charged a Regional Water Fee (RWF) on their water bills to cover the cost.

The videos below address the above issues, the fee on your water bill and tips on lowering your costs through conservation. Stay tuned as additional videos and tips will be added on a regular basis.

1. Subsidence

2. A Spotlight on the WHCRWA

3. What Is the WHCRWA Fee on My Water Bill?

4. Irry Gator and His Water Saving Band

5. Saving Water is as Easy as Turning Off a Light Switch

6. Irry Gator – My Favorite Time of the Year

Water U – Irrigation Course