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The Harris County Flood Control District recently wrapped up the first round of listening meetings for the Solutions for Advancing Floodplain Evaluation and Resilience Study (SAFER) Study. These meetings gave residents a chance to share experiences, ask questions, and talk about ideas for reducing the impacts of flooding. The SAFER Study is a major effort to identify large, long-term projects that can reduce flood risk and improve quality of life across Harris County.
The SAFER Study is led by the Flood Control District in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a feasibility study, which means it looks at whether large-scale projects are possible, worth the cost, and helpful to the community.
The study covers 11 watersheds in Harris County. A watershed is an area of land where all the rain that falls on it flows to the same body of water. In Harris County, that body of water is usually a bayou. The study looks at ways to reduce flooding by learning from past projects and testing new methods. These include making bayous wider and deeper, building stormwater detention basins to hold additional stormwater, and exploring large underground tunnels that could potentially move stormwater out of the county. The Flood Control District will use lessons from past floods and past projects to identify potential projects that could work well for our communities.
Why do we need a SAFER Study?
Flooding has always been part of Harris County’s history, and without large-scale projects, many homes and businesses will remain at a higher risk. The SAFER Study is important because it will provide a roadmap for reducing those risks, bring federal dollars to our community, and make sure projects reflect the voices and concerns of local residents.
You can help shape the SAFER Study by staying involved!
Follow updates on the Flood Control District’s website and social media, and share what you learn with friends and neighbors. When reports are released in 2026 and 2027, your feedback will also be important in shaping the final recommendations.
The Flood Control District is continuing to make historic progress in flood risk reduction projects and maintenance efforts thanks to voter support and dedicated staff. Stay informed by following us on social media.