Houston – The KPRC 2 Investigative Team has received one of the most prestigious honors in journalism—the duPont-Columbia Award—for their groundbreaking series Drained, which exposed widespread issues within Houston’s water department. The years-long investigation uncovered billing inaccuracies, allegations of corruption, and a lack of transparency, ultimately helping to bring justice to countless Houstonians affected by unfair water bills and getting money back into their pockets.
KPRC 2 Investigative Reporter Amy Davis sat down with Houston Life co-hosts Derrick Shore and Tessa Berrera to discuss the work she and her team, made up of:
- Andrea Slaydon, Senior Investigative and Special Projects Producer
- Ninfa Saavedra, Digital Content Specialist
- Ana Lastra, Director, Enterprise and KPRC Originals
- Bill Carruthers, Investigative Photojournalist/Editor
- Adrian Montes, Investigative Photojournalist
- Jon Hill, Investigative Photojournalist
- Jason Nguyen, KPRC 2 Senior Investigates Producer
The series began with individual consumer complaints. Houstonians like you questioned high water bills, some reaching thousands of dollars. KPRC 2 Investigative Reporter Amy Davis quickly realized that these weren’t isolated cases and that something was really wrong. As the complaints kept coming, the team committed to persistent reporting until a tip came in regarding allegations of unethical practices within the city’s water contracts. Over two years, the team combed through public records, filed open records requests, and repeatedly pressed city officials for answers. As of this writing, all seven people indicted in this investigation, specifically the Houston waterline contract corruption scandal have reached a plea deals. The charges came after the investigation exposed them. Now, all have admitted guilt.
Local journalism matters
For the team and all of KPRC 2, this story was always about the Houstonians impacted. Finding those responsible was just a bonus that made the story even more important. Davis recalled one of the most heartbreaking cases: Edward Williams, a man in Acres Homes who lived without running water for four years because he couldn’t resolve a dispute over his bill.
“It wasn’t until his son came home from serving in the military, went to flush the toilet, and realized there was no water that he learned the truth. His father had been using a bucket to flush the toilet.”
Williams is just one story. KPRC 2 Investigates helped single mothers, veterans, and everyday residents who were being crushed by incredibly high water bills with no explanation.
The DuPont-Columbia Award recognizes outstanding investigative journalism that, according to their website, celebrates the “strength of their reporting, storytelling, and impact in the public interest,” and exemplifies the power of local reporting. Unlike national outlets, which might not have the time or resources to deeply investigate a local issue, KPRC 2 Drained was able to dedicate two years to uncovering the truth—because, like the community, Amy Davis and the rest of the KPRC 2 Investigates team live in the same community and experience the same problems.
Big fans of Amy Davis
Derrick and Tessa are big fans of Amy but you know who wasn’t? Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Here’s a refresher
When covering this story of unstoppable journalism, Houston Life wanted to honor Amy Davis and the rest of the KPRC 2 Investigates team. A small group in the community who work hard for big change. After Davis was called “very rude” by a public official, we decided to print these shirts for her during the airing of her piece on Houston Life.
What do you think?
If you can’t get enough, here’s where you can watch all things ‘DRAINED’