Houston Public Works: So You Don't End Up Living in a Waterlogged Cardboard Box (Hopefully)
Ever wondered who keeps the Bayou City chugging along? No, not Beyonce (although Queen Bey probably pays a hefty water bill). We're talking about the unsung heroes of Houston's infrastructure: Houston Public Works (HPW).
They're Basically Adult Legos, But Way Cooler (and Sweatier)
HPW is a massive department with over 3,900 employees – that's more people than live in some small towns! These folks are like adult Legos, constantly building, fixing, and maintaining the city's infrastructure.
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They're the Plumbers of Our Dreams (Except They Don't Charge an Arm and a Leg): HPW oversees Houston's water system, from those fancy water treatment plants to the miles of pipes that snake underground like a thirsty hydra. No more brown shower water, thanks HPW!
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They're the Kings and Queens of Drainage (Because Seriously, Houston and Rain): Anyone who's driven down I-45 during a downpour knows Houston has a bit of a... relationship with water. HPW tackles drainage issues, making sure the city doesn't resemble Venice after a particularly heavy sprinkle.
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They're the Road Warriors (But Hopefully Not Mad Max Style): Potholes? Uneven sidewalks? HPW is on it, working to keep Houston's streets smooth (-ish) and safe for drivers, cyclists, and rogue tumbleweeds.
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They're the Permit Police (But the Fun Kind, Maybe): Thinking of building a backyard oasis complete with a waterslide? HPW is in charge of permits and regulations, making sure your architectural masterpiece doesn't resemble a leaning tower of pizza.
But Wait, There's More! (Because HPW Does a Lot)
HPW also tackles a bunch of other things, from wastewater treatment (because, well, gotta keep things clean) to construction management (think fancy bridges and whatnot). They even have a program to track potholes – like Pokemon Go, but for angry drivers – you can report them and maybe even win a prize (probably not, but it's a fun thought).
So Next Time You Turn on the Tap...
...or drive on a non-apocalyptic road, or don't get swept away in a flash flood, take a moment to silently thank the folks at Houston Public Works. They're the glue that holds the city together, even if their Google rating might not reflect it (adult Legos are underappreciated, clearly).
