Did you know? Many concrete-lined channels have holes in them… on purpose!

Fewer than 5% of Harris County’s drainage channels are lined with concrete, but they do some heavy lifting. To help them hold up over time, weep holes are installed.

These small drainage openings let water escape from behind the concrete instead of building up pressure that can crack or lift the lining.

Over time, they can become clogged or wear down, which can lead to concrete failures resulting in sinkholes and other problems. Typically, there’s also no way to maintain them.

That’s why Harris County Flood Control District maintenance crews are testing new JET Filter weep hole systems. They can be taken apart for regular cleaning and maintenance, extending the life of the infrastructure and saving money long-term by avoiding costly replacements. At one project site in the Buffalo Bayou watershed, more than 100 of them have been installed.

This proactive work is part of the Flood Control District’s increased investment in maintenance to preserve and strengthen flood control infrastructure.