Quality

Quality at waterstreet.blog means clarity, care, and credibility—from how we report and design to how we maintain and update our work. This page outlines our standards so readers, partners, and contributors know what to expect.

Editorial standards

Grounded reporting: We pair site visits and lived experience with primary sources, public data, and expert interviews. Observations are labeled as such; claims are sourced.
Transparent sourcing: We link to plans, studies, datasets, and community documents whenever possible. If a source is paywalled or offline, we note it.
Plain language: We translate technical concepts (stormwater, blue‑green infrastructure, accessibility) into everyday terms without losing accuracy.
Review for stakes: Content that could affect safety, health, or public resources gets an extra fact and context review.

Accuracy and updates

Versioning: Feature pages include a “last updated” date and change notes for significant revisions.
Corrections: If we publish an error, we correct it promptly and add a brief note describing what changed and why.
Time sensitivity: For posts tied to weather, construction, or policy, we add context on dates, phases, and uncertainties.
Reader input: See something off? Email with links, details, and, if possible, a source. We’ll respond within 3 business days.

Visual and data quality

Image ethics: We prioritize original photography and clearly credit contributors. We avoid identifiable images of minors without guardian consent and blur sensitive details when appropriate.
Alt text and accessibility: Every image includes meaningful alt text; diagrams include captions and (when needed) long descriptions.
Data checks: Datasets are documented with source, date, and known limitations. Charts include units, baselines, and notes on methods.
Map clarity: We choose scales and symbology that match the question at hand; north arrows, legends, and timestamps are standard.

Design standards

Useful first: Layouts favor readability, hierarchy, and scannability—especially on mobile.
Consistent system: We use a stable type scale, accessible color contrast, and predictable components for CTAs, notes, and references.
Performance: Images are optimized; SVGs preferred. We aim for fast pages and graceful behavior on slow networks.
Print-friendly: Long guides ship with a simplified print stylesheet and downloadable PDF where helpful.

Safety and responsibility

Boundaries: We do not encourage trespass, risky behavior, or DIY fixes that could create hazards. Safety guidance is general, not professional advice.
Sensitive sites: For ecologically or culturally sensitive locations, we generalize directions, defer to local stewards, and share only what’s appropriate.

Contributor guidelines

Briefs and outlines: Every assignment starts with a written brief: purpose, audience, key questions, sources, and deliverables.
Editorial workflow: Draft → edit → fact check → design pass → accessibility review → publish.
Attribution: We credit all collaborators—writers, photographers, mappers, advisors—on the page and in metadata.
Conflict of interest: Contributors disclose affiliations and funding; we label sponsored or partner content.

Quality assurance checklist (internal)Before publishing, we confirm:

Sources linked and dated; quotes verified
Names, titles, and place spellings double‑checked
Alt text present; color contrast AA or better
Captions accurate; units and scales labeled
Mobile layout tested; load under target size
Safety notes added where relevant
Last‑updated date set; draft archived

How we measure quality

Reader comprehension: Do readers leave with clearer understanding and practical takeaways?
Accuracy rate: Track corrections and response time.
Accessibility score: Periodic audits using automated and human review.
Performance metrics: Core Web Vitals and media weights across templates.
Community feedback: Surveys and open calls for suggestions twice a year.

Continuous improvementQuality is a practice, not a badge. We revisit standards, update our tools, and learn from partners and readers. If you have suggestions or spot an issue, reach out: .

Editorial and storytelling

Bring your projects to life with reporting that respects both data and daily experience.

Services: feature writing, project case studies, stakeholder interviews, photo essays, editorial style guides
Outcomes: clearer public understanding, stronger buy‑in, materials you can share with boards, funders, and neighbors

Maps and visual explainers

Make the invisible visible—watersheds, flows, heat islands, desire lines.

Services: custom maps, infographics, policy one‑pagers, animated explainers, illustration and icon systems
Outcomes: faster comprehension, better meetings, consistent visuals across reports and web

Walk audits and site documentation

See places at eye level and street speed.

Services: on‑site audits, route testing after rain, accessibility spot checks, photo/video documentation, quick wins lists
Outcomes: prioritized improvements, punch‑list clarity, before/after records for grants and councils

Blue‑green strategy support

Design with water in mind, from curb to coastline.

Services: concept memos, program naming, narrative frameworks, engagement materials for rain gardens, permeable streets, shade networks, and flood adaptation
Outcomes: cohesive proposals, community-ready messaging, alignment across departments and partners

Workshops and talks

Build shared literacy around urban edges and climate adaptation.

Services: staff workshops, community storytelling labs, talks for conferences and universities
Outcomes: common vocabulary, actionable checklists, renewed momentum

Brand and web for place-based work

Identity and sites that feel like the places you serve.

Services: naming, logo and icon sets, typography and color systems, lightweight websites, content templates
Outcomes: credible presence, faster publishing, assets you can maintain without a full-time team

How we work

Field-first: We ground recommendations in observations, photos, and conversations on site.
Open notebooks: We share sources and drafts so your team can reuse and maintain.
Useful beauty: We aim for materials that are as practical as they are clear and calm.

Selected deliverables

4–8 page project brief or case study
Map/infographic pack (web + print)
1–2 day walk audit with findings memo
Editorial calendar + content templates
Micro brand kit (logo, colors, type, icons)
Public-facing one‑pager for grants or meetings

Who we work with

City agencies (planning, public works, parks, ports)
NGOs and community groups
Waterfront businesses and BIDs
Universities and studios

Timeline and pricingMost projects land in 2–8 weeks depending on scope. We offer flat-fee packages for common deliverables and retainers for ongoing publishing. Tell us your budget and deadline; we’ll right‑size a plan.

Get started

Email:
Share your project goals, audience, timeline, and any existing materials.
We’ll propose a scope with options, sample visuals, and a simple production schedule.

Optional CTA buttons

Start a project
See work samples
Book a workshop
Download capability one‑pager

Check conditions first: Look up weather, tide/river levels, air quality, and heat index before heading out. Avoid flood warnings, high winds, lightning, and extreme heat.
Don’t enter floodwater: Even shallow moving water can sweep you off your feet, and it may hide hazards or contamination. Turn around, don’t drown.
Mind the margins: Stay off active construction sites, rail corridors, and fenced or posted areas. Keep clear of edges, unstable banks, and slick algae-covered surfaces.
Watch your footing: After rain, surfaces can be slippery. Wear treaded shoes; avoid stepping on painted markings, metal grates, or mossy stone when wet.
Be seen, be predictable: If walking or riding at dawn/dusk, use lights, reflectivity, and stick to the right. Make eye contact at crossings; obey signals.
Hydrate and shade up: Bring water, sun protection, and take breaks—especially on exposed waterfronts and paved corridors that amplify heat.
Go with someone: When exploring unfamiliar areas or low-traffic routes, consider a buddy. Share your route and ETA with a friend.
Respect working waterfronts: Give space to trucks, forklifts, cranes, and vessel lines. Never step over a taut line; avoid mooring hardware and restricted piers.
Wildlife awareness: Do not feed birds or mammals. Observe from a distance, especially during nesting season. Pack out all trash to protect waterways.
Ear/eye to the environment: Headphones low or off near traffic and water. If an area feels unsafe, trust your instincts and leave.

Community conduct

Share the space: Yield to people with mobility devices, strollers, service animals, and maintenance crews. Slow is polite on narrow paths.
Photograph thoughtfully: Avoid identifiable photos of children or private property. Ask permission for close portraits or business interiors.
Care for places: Don’t move cones, barricades, or survey markers. Report hazards and clogged drains to city services instead of DIY fixes that may create risk.
Night walks: Prefer well-lit routes. If documenting conditions after dark, work in pairs and keep sessions brief.

Content boundaries and disclaimers

Informational only: Articles, maps, and guides on waterstreet.blog are for general information and storytelling. They are not professional engineering, safety, or emergency advice.
Conditions change: Urban edges are dynamic. Infrastructure, access, tides, and weather shift quickly. Verify current conditions before a visit.
Your responsibility: You are responsible for your own choices and safety when visiting locations described on this site.
Emergencies: In an emergency, call your local emergency number immediately (e.g., 911 in the U.S./Canada, 112 in the EU/UK). For non-emergency city issues, use your municipality’s service line or app.

Reporting issues
See a hazard on a route we’ve featured? Please:

Avoid the area if unsafe.
Report it to your city’s service line (e.g., 311) with location details and a photo if safe to capture.
Send us a note so we can update the page:

Accessibility and inclusion

We aim for routes and guides that consider mobility, sensory, and cognitive accessibility. If a post overlooks a barrier, tell us and we’ll correct it.
Alt text and transcripts: We provide alt text for images and transcripts or captions for audio/video. Flag any misses and we’ll fix them.

Gear checklist (optional)

Footwear with tread
Water, hat, sunscreen, and layers
Small flashlight or clip light; reflective band
Phone with offline map; portable battery
Basic first-aid and hand sanitizer
Trash/recycling bag and gloves (for safe, light cleanup only)

Stay safe, stay curious
The edges of the city can teach us a lot—about movement, maintenance, and care. With a little preparation and respect for the water and the work, they’re places you can enjoy safely. If you have tips we should add, email .