The Harris County Flood Control District is a special purpose district established by the Texas Legislature in 1937, following major floods in 1929 and 1935. It operates under the governance of the Harris County Commissioners Court and serves the entirety of Harris County, including the City of Houston, home to over 4.7 million residents according to the 2020 census. Its jurisdiction spans 1,777 square miles and encompasses 23 primary watersheds, each with distinct flooding challenges shaped by natural boundaries.

The District’s funding supports its Capital Improvement Program, ongoing operations and maintenance, and debt service. Financial resources come from four primary sources: a dedicated ad valorem property tax, federal and state grants, project cost-sharing agreements with other government entities, and annual allocations approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court.

As part of its commitment to transparency and public engagement, the Harris County Flood Control District makes all Technical Manuals for its projects available to the public. These documents are an essential resource for residents, stakeholders, and professionals who want to understand the detailed aspects of flood control efforts across Harris County.

The manuals include in-depth information on terminology, design standards, engineering methodologies, and strategies used in the planning and implementation of flood mitigation projects. By providing open access to these materials, the Flood Control District empowers the community to stay informed and better understand how proposed and ongoing projects are designed to address flooding risks and enhance resilience throughout the region.

Explore the Harris County Flood Control District’s Technical Manuals to gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and standards guiding our flood mitigation projects. Whether you’re a resident, engineer, or simply interested in how drainage and infrastructure improvements are planned and executed, these manuals offer valuable insights into our work.