The Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) plays a key role in improving local drainage systems within unincorporated areas of Harris County, helping to reduce flooding risks and enhance infrastructure resilience. These subdivision drainage projects are essential to managing how stormwater flows from residential neighborhoods into the larger drainage channels and bayous maintained by the Harris County Flood Control District.

The focus of these projects is on internal drainage systems, such as underground storm sewers and roadside ditches, which are critical for carrying rainwater safely away from homes and streets. In unincorporated parts of the county, HCED shares responsibility for this infrastructure, often coordinating with utility districts and municipalities to address the specific needs of each area.

To improve drainage capacity and efficiency, the Engineering Department makes technical recommendations such as:

• Increasing or installing underground storm sewer capacity
• Adding or expanding culvert drains
• Enhancing drainage ditch capacity
• Improving outfall structures street regrades

In addition to engineering work, HCED engages directly with communities through outreach meetings and produces preliminary engineering reports that help guide each project from planning through to final design and construction.