Flood Resilience: ASCE EWRI Houston Chapter
This month, Baukje “Bee” Kothuis represented NBSO-Texas at the ASCE Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) Houston Chapter event. The event showcased an impressive array of flood control and resilience projects currently underway in Texas. Engineering firms and local, regional, and state entities presented their innovative programs and initiatives, highlighting the strong collaboration between engineering companies, government agencies, and universities at all levels.
Representatives from the Texas Water Development Board, Texas General Land Office, Harris County Flod Control District, Houston Public Works, USACE, Texas A&M, several cities and municipalities, universities and more gave very practical and to the point presentations that developed in meaningful discussions.
It was inspiring to see on the podium Commissioner Adrian Garcia, who has personally visited the Netherlands to learn about our approach to flood resilience. Hearing about the success of hydraulic engineering projects in Precinct 2, which have effectively mitigated major flooding during recent events, was truly encouraging.
Being a design anthropologist by trade, Bee much appreciated hearing about the hydraulic projects that contributed so much to community involvement in flood protection efforts. It’s great to see both broad expert knowledge and local expertise being effectively applied, especially given the ongoing threats of hurricanes and urban flooding in Texas.
Stronger together: Texas and the Netherlands
Water and infrastructure are challenges both Texas and the Netherlands know all too well. From flood management to sustainable water solutions, the EWRI event spars conversations about shared hurdles and cutting-edge innovations. By connecting with Texas stakeholders, the Netherlands loves to learn more about shared issues like rapid urbanization, water scarcity, and climate resilience.
About the ASCE EWRI Houston Chapter
The EWRI Houston Chapter is part of the American Society of Civil Engineers and is the technical source for environmental and water-related challenges in the Houston region. Topics are e.g.; water supply, wastewater treatment, floodplain management, groundwater, erosion and geomorphology, stormwater, water quality, nature-based solutions, ecology, coastal resiliency, ecosystem restoration, meteorology and climate, and others.
Activities include monthly technical tours, lunches and webinars, social happy hours, student outreach, and volunteerism. Each year culminates in the November conference with 200+ attendees and 20+ government, non-profit, and academic speakers.
Find out more here: https://ascehouston.org/EWRI
