What is Water IQ?

Water IQ is a public awareness water conservation program to educate Texans about their water resources.

Water IQ offers an easy-to-identify brand, a variety of materials, and a network of groups and communities dedicated to educating Texans about water conservation. The program complements existing local and regional water conservation efforts. Water IQ strives to make all Texans aware that their natural water resources are limited and not immune to the consequences of their individual behaviors.

Use of Water IQ Service Marks

The Water IQ marks are owned by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and cannot be used unless permission has been granted from the TWDB.  Any unauthorized use can be a violation of trademark laws.

We appreciate the opportunity to spread the message about water conservation and we want to make sure the Water IQ marks are used in the right way. To request permission to use the Water IQ marks for a water conservation awareness program or related project or event, please fill out and submit the form below.

If you would like to provide a link to www.wateriq.org on your Web site or have your Web site linked to www.wateriq.org, please contact us with your URL.  Keep in mind that if you wish to use the Water IQ marks on your site you must also submit the form below and obtain permission from TWDB.

We look forward to reviewing your request and thank you for your support of water conservation awareness for Texans.

Click here to obtain a form to submit your request of use of the Water IQ Service Marks.

Click here to view the Service Mark Usage Guidelines.

What Water IQ resources are available?

We now have a guide available for utilities that would like to expand or develop a public awareness program for water conservation.

Developing a Water Conservation Public Awareness Program: A Guide for Utilities helps utilities implement goals for an effective program by making use of the mass media.  Topics include working with local media, reaching an audience, tracking media coverage, and other resources.

Water IQ brochures and educational materials are available for indoor and outdoor water conservation at home and for agricultural water use.  These publications are free in limited quantities, and additional copies may be ordered for a nominal fee.

There are also printable program information sheets for the Water IQ program.

K-12 school materials are available through TWDB.  These resources include units developed for specific age groups and range from coloring books for younger children to complete curricula for older students, with teachers’ guides and Texas Essential Skills and Knowledge (TEKS) guidelines.  Interactive Web games and lessons are also featured.

How can Water IQ help?

Research shows that the more Texans know about their water resources, the more likely they are to conserve. The Water IQ program can help deliver a clear, unified water conservation message to the state. As utilities and communities take an active role in conservation, it encourages conservation compliance. And as Texans begin to conserve their water resources, they help ensure that the state has enough water now and in the future.

Water IQ: Background

During the Texas Water Development Board Finance Committee meeting, on November 12, 2002, the Deputy Executive Administrator discussed the increasing importance of water conservation. The briefing included a legislative initiative to enhance efforts in Texas by increasing water conservation activities. The initiative was based on recommendations included in the 2002 State Water Plan for developing consensus recommendations to comprehensively address water conservation in Texas. The Board expressed support for the initiative.

The 78th Legislature approved Senate Bill 1094, which created the Water Conservation Implementation Task Force to evaluate matters regarding water conservation. The legislation was introduced and supported by Senator Robert Duncan, approved by the legislature, and signed by Governor Rick Perry. TWDB selected the members of the Task Force. In addition, the Executive Administrator was the presiding officer of the Task Force. Senate Bill 1094 was effective immediately after passage, and a report was submitted to the legislature as requested on November 1, 2004.

In 2004, TWDB contracted for a research project to support the Water Conservation Implementation Task Force recommendation regarding the establishment of a statewide water conservation public awareness campaign. The project included development strategies, research, and branding for a possible statewide water conservation effort and was funded by a voluntary coalition of 36 utilities, municipalities, businesses, and conservation groups. The research stressed the need for making individual Texans aware of the importance of water conservation, including water reuse, to their future as residents of the state. As a result of this research, the brand “Water IQ: Know your water” was identified as a way to bring awareness about water knowledge and conservation.

Highlights from the comprehensive 2004 research study include:

  • 87 percent of Texans are more likely to conserve water after learning more about water conservation and hearing ideas about ways to save water.
  • 98 percent of Texas residents think water conservation is important.
  • Only 28 percent of Texans say they “definitely know” the natural source of their drinking water.

Additional detailed information for the 2004 research is available for download:

In 2007, the 80th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 4. Both contained provisions authorizing the Executive Administrator to “develop and implement a statewide water conservation public awareness program.”

Currently, there are a number of entities throughout the state using Water IQ as part of their local campaign.

Contact Information

Please contact Holly Vierk by e-mail: holly.vierk@twdb.state.tx.us, or call (512) 463-4305 for additional information about Water IQ.