Clean Water
Forever Chemicals Found in Hunting Bayou, Nationwide Study Shows
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), are toxic “forever chemicals” used in everyday items like nonstick pans, waterproof clothing, and food
Updates
Clean Water
Our Executive Director Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud Featured on Waterloop’s “The Color of Water” Series
We’re thrilled to announce that our very own Executive Director, Ayanna Jolivet Mccloud, was recently featured on waterloop, a nonprofit news outlet that explores solutions to water challenges.
Houston is known as the energy capital—but it’s also the Bayou City, where water flows not just through the environment, but through culture, memory, justice, and resilience. In this powerful episode of “The Color of Water” series, Ayanna shares how her background in art and advocacy drives her bold, equity-focused environmental leadership.
Water Policy
Advocating for Equity-Based Flood Prioritization in Harris County
At the June 26th Harris County Commissioners Court session, Bayou City Waterkeeper joined dozens of residents demanding accountability as county leaders addressed a $1.15 billion funding shortfall in the 2018 flood bond program. BCWK advocated for equitable flood mitigation and water infrastructure funding that prioritizes historically underinvested communities. Our testimony focused on maintaining the equity-based prioritization framework, demanding transparency in project implementation, and addressing systemic funding inequities.
Groundwork
Read Our Impact Report, Currents of Change: Advancing Water Justice & Community Power
Bayou City Waterkeeper is positioned better than ever to take bold action and leverage the progress made in 2024 to address systemic water issues at every level. With a focus on justice, conservation, and community power, we are moving and adapting to creatively meet the challenges of today head-on.
Industrial Risks
Legal win! Court Rules EPA Failed to Properly Consider and Update Water Pollution Standards for Oil Refineries, Plastics Plants
In a case filed by Bayou City Waterkeeper and other water advocates nationwide in April 2023, the U.S. Court of
Clean Water
Houston’s Water Future: Wins, Losses, and Opportunities from the 89th Texas Legislative Session
We laid essential groundwork for future advocacy: clearly demonstrating that Houston’s water needs are paramount, proving that our local challenges have statewide implications, and highlighting that local community voices are critical to shaping effective water policy for all of Texas.