Addicks Reservoir Watershed
About the Watershed
The Addicks Reservoir watershed covers the area that drains into Addicks Reservoir. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) completed construction of Addicks Dam and the outlet facility in 1948. The Corps owns, operates and maintains the facilities. Runoff collected by the reservoir eventually outflows into Buffalo Bayou. The watershed is located in west Harris County and a small portion of eastern Waller County, encompassing portions of the cities of Houston and Katy. The Addicks Reservoir watershed covers about 136 square miles and includes four primary streams: Bear Creek, Horsepen Creek, Langham Creek and South Mayde Creek. There are about 151 miles of open streams within the watershed, including the primary streams and tributary channels. The estimated population within the Addicks Reservoir watershed (Harris County portion) is just over 152,000.
The threat of flooding from high volumes of stormwater draining into the reservoir from its natural watershed and from potential overflows of stormwater into the reservoir from the Cypress Creek watershed is a concern. The need to control release rates from the reservoir during potential flood events causes concern for developments along the fringes of the reservoir boundary and for major thoroughfares like State Highway 6. These concerns have prompted subregional planning on the major tributaries draining into the resevoir.
Land Use
The Addicks Reservoir watershed includes agricultural uses, public recreational facilities and natural areas. Agricultural uses dominate the upstream regions of the watershed, while residential and commercial development is mostly around the periphery of the reservoir and is expected to continue in a west - northwesterly direction. Other uses of the land in the reservoir includes parks and recreational facilities.
Reservoir
The Corps has placed limits on the flow rates for channels entering the reservoir. The limits vary for each of the primary streams, based on the development levels that existed in late 1970's to mid 1980's. Operation of outlet facilities controls the discharges from the reservoir into Langham Creek, then into Buffalo Bayou.
Environment
Environmentally sensitive areas exist within the reservoir boundaries and along the upper tributary reaches that extend into the Katy prairie. These areas host a wide range of wildlife habitats.
|
