How Harris County Manages Its Flood Control Property

When it comes to flood protection in Harris County, most people think about big infrastructure, channels, bayous, and detention basins. But keeping all that land in working order takes careful oversight. That’s where the Property Management Program at the Harris County Flood Control District comes in. Harris County’s flood control network is massive. The District…

July 14, 20250Comments

Public Meetings

Big Plans for Cypress Creek: Harris County Shares Updates on Major Flood Mitigation Project

Residents tuning in to the Harris County Flood Control District’s recent virtual meeting got an inside look at one of the county’s most significant flood mitigation projects currently in design: the Cypress Creek Channel Rehabilitation and Stormwater Detention Basin, Main Stem, Batch 5. It’s a long name, but the goals are simple: stabilize the channel,…

July 14, 20250Comments

Weather & Alerts

Harris County Weather Update: Rainy Days Continue

Houston is experiencing a stretch of familiar summer weather, heavy rain, afternoon thunderstorms, and flash flood warnings. On Monday, another round of storms made the evening commute tricky, and the rain isn’t over yet. Expect more daily showers, especially in the afternoons and evenings, at least through midweek. By the middle of the week, we…

July 14, 20250Comments

Improvement Projects

What Harris County Is Doing to Improve Neighborhood Drainage

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…

July 14, 20250Comments

Weather & Alerts

Flood Alerts in Harris County: What You Need to Know

This Sunday July 13, at 2:33 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for Houston, in effect until 4:30 p.m. The advisory warns of minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas due to excessive rainfall. As always, officials remind drivers: “Turn around, don’t drown.” Most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles attempting to…

July 14, 20250Comments

Resources

Harris County Flood Control District: Structure, Funding, and Public Resources

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…

July 14, 20250Comments

Improvement Projects

MAAPnext: A Data-Driven Leap in Flood Hazard Mapping for Harris County

The Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPnext) is a collaborative initiative between the Harris County Flood Control District and FEMA to deliver the most advanced flood hazard mapping effort in the county’s history. Leveraging new hydrologic and hydraulic modeling technologies, the project will update how flood risks are understood and communicated across all 22 watersheds…

July 14, 20250Comments

Resources

New Public Education Initiative: A Wake-Up Call for Clean Water Stewardship

A new wave of environmental action is underway in Harris County with the launch of the Regional Public Education Services Program, led by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD). This initiative tackles water pollution and flood risks by empowering the community with knowledge, and calling for shared responsibility. Flooding isn’t just about rising water…

July 14, 20250Comments

Resources

Harris County Storm Season Prevention

In Harris County, where storm season is a yearly certainty, preparing for floods isn’t just smart, it’s essential. The Harris County Flood Control District has made significant strides in reducing flood risks through engineering and planning, but public awareness remains a critical piece of the puzzle. Understanding how floodwaters are managed and what residents can…

July 14, 20250Comments

Public Meetings

Understanding the White Oak Bayou Watershed: Why It Matters to You

The White Oak Bayou watershed is a vital part of Harris County’s drainage system, stretching from central to northwest portions of the county. It encompasses key urban areas, including the City of Jersey Village and parts of Houston itself. Covering 111 square miles, the watershed captures rainfall across a large area and channels it into…

July 14, 20250Comments

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