BCWK is a Houston-based organization focusing on water quality, wetlands protection, and flood mitigation across our region with an emphasis on climate resilience and environmental justice. BCWK serves the lower Galveston Bay watershed, a 10-county region that encompasses greater Houston.
At Bayou City Waterkeeper we view water as a catalyst for change in greater Houston and along the Texas Gulf coast. Communities most affected by water pollution, flooding, and system failures must be at the center of this change. Only by centering community priorities can we shape solutions that meaningfully address the largest environmental, climate, and infrastructure threats that our region faces.
Bayou City Waterkeeper works to protect and restore our wetlands, floodplains and riparian habitats that flow into our waterways and surrounding bays. The adjacent map shows the Lower Galveston Bay Watershed that we strive to make fishable, swimmable, and drinkable for all.
On October 18, 2023 Kourtney Revels, Water Justice Organizer for BCWK, shared Testimony for the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works examining the implications of Sackett v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Clean Water Act Protections of Wetlands and Streams.
This opinion piece co-authored by Policy Analyst Usman Mahmood and Water Justice Organizer Kourtney Revels appeared in the Houston Chronicle
This fall several interns and fellows will lend important support to our law, science, design, and communications work. Interns and fellows work closely with staff on issues related to water, infrastructure, and climate injustices affecting communities across greater Houston. Join us in welcoming them:
Join us in welcoming our new staff member Ayanna Cardenas, BCWK’s Wetland Outreach Coordinator.
What is the last waterbody that you visited?
The last waterbody I visited was Galveston Bay, located near Houston. Ever since I was a kid, it’s been a favorite spot of mine, especially the memories of fishing on the pier alongside my grandparents. During my recent visit, I had the chance to ride my bike along the seawall and enjoy a beautiful sunset. I often venture to Bolivar Peninsula for bird watching, and on a lucky day, I might spot dolphins during the ferry ride. And no visit is complete without treating myself to some fried shrimp from the local restaurants.
Much of Bayou City Waterkeeper’s work with wetlands focuses on using the Clean Water Act to protect the over development of wetlands. With rising sea levels, it is vital to protect Houston’s Galveston Bay Watershed, which comprises about 120,000 acres of coastal and freshwater wetlands that serve as natural protection from climate disasters. In addition to serving as flood protection, wetlands are one of the Earth’s most productive ecosystems with incredibly important habitats with their biodiversity.
Join us in welcoming our new staff member, Clara Goodwin, BCWK’s Legal Fellow.
What is the last waterbody that you visited?
It was probably Willow Waterhole in Westbury. My parents neighborhood backs up on the Waterhole, which is a series of retention ponds that have been turned back into natural wetland habitat with walking trails around them. I like to wander along the little bayou that carries water to the ponds from Braes Bayou and see all the waterbirds and hawks. I regularly see egrets, herons, cormorants, osprey, hawks, flycatchers, and even roseate spoonbills.
