Member Spotlight

In July 2022, Houston Public Works conceived and launched the Give Water a Break campaign – a comprehensive educational and outreach program, carefully tailored to address the city's unique water-related issues and foster a culture of water conservation. The campaign was underpinned by captivating graphics and catchy slogans designed to overhaul the mindset of Houstonians from wasting because you can, to conserving because you should.

Once the aesthetic and branding of the Give Water a Break campaign were honed, a wealth of educational materials were developed. These materials included an array of resources such as social media graphics, flyers, trifold brochures, posters, videos, displays, stickers, magnets, and event giveaways, all of which were crafted to focus on general water conservation education and promote drought awareness.

The outreach efforts of the campaign were both diverse and far-reaching. In its inaugural year, the campaign's outreach team actively participated in 81 outreach events, spanning HOA meetings, school events, summer camps, conferences, festivals, and more. These events collectively reached an impressive 58,428 people.

The campaign's dedicated webpage became a pivotal source of information, featuring downloadable resources and crucial details about the current drought stage, water conservation tips, outreach events, outreach programs, and other water-related campaigns specific to Houston. Throughout the year, the webpage garnered an impressive total of 99,592 visits.

To further amplify the campaign's message, Houston Public Works tapped into an array of promotional channels. These included email blasts, water bill messaging, and social media promotion. Furthermore, captivating pop-up displays, custom chalk stencils, and digital kiosks were strategically deployed, while paid advertising campaigns, encompassing Google ads, YouTube ads, Hulu ads, TV ads, and radio ads, resulted in 17.9 million impressions.

The resounding success of the Give Water a Break campaign was echoed throughout the community, embraced by the media, and supported by elected officials. Its compelling visuals routinely captured attention at in-person events, sparking meaningful conversations and opportunities for education. The digital advertising component also exceeded industry standards, boasting a significantly higher click-through rate. Looking ahead, Houston Public Works is committed to sustaining and expanding the Give Water a Break campaign and the educational resources it offers. This endeavor promises to play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable and water-conscious future for Houston.

NACWA awarded Houston Public Works a 2024 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Public Information & Education: Educational Program category for its valuable program. Congratulations to everyone involved!