The Ground Beneath Us
How Houston's Water System Works
By The Change Lab -- via manual_seed -- Apr 18, 2026
Overview
Houston draws water from the Trinity and San Jacinto rivers as well as underground aquifers to supply drinking water to 2.3 million residents and millions more in the surrounding region. Houston Public Works manages the entire system — from intake and treatment through distribution and wastewater processing. After the February 2021 winter storm exposed significant vulnerabilities in the system, the city invested hundreds of millions of dollars in improvements and winterization. This guide explains where your water comes from, how it gets treated, and who is responsible for keeping it safe.
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About the source
The practice behind Community Exchange. Founded June 2025 and fiscally sponsored by Impact Hub Houston, we build civic infrastructure for the silent majority of Houstonians who are overwhelmed but ready to engage with their community and city.
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