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With a yearly rainfall average of about 48 inches, stormwater in Harris County must be managed effectively to reduce the risk of flooding for homes and businesses. Stormwater Detention Basins play an important part in reducing the risk of flooding for Harris County residents. A stormwater detention basin is an engineered, excavated area of land designed to temporarily store excess stormwater during heavy rain events
The Flood Control District constructs and maintains stormwater detention basins across Harris County. These detention basins come in different shapes and sizes depending on land available, environmental factors, and other factors. These stormwater detention basin sites can also double as recreational spaces for communities, such as hike and bike trails along the perimeter of the detention basin footprint, when the threat of flooding has passed.
Common types of detention basins include:
- Dry-bottom stormwater detention basins are lined with grass and designed to drain completely between heavy rain events.
- Wet-bottom stormwater detention basins always have a permanent pool of water, with extra space above it for storing stormwater during heavy rain events.
The Harris County Flood Control District is making historic progress in flood risk reduction and maintenance thanks to voter support and dedicated staff. Stay informed by following us on social media.