The Harris County Flood Control District is a special purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1937 and governed by Harris County Commissioners Court.
The Flood Control District utilizes a number of techniques, or primary "tools," to reduce flood damages throughout the county. Generally speaking, these tools are implemented in flood damage reduction projects.
A major flood occurs somewhere in Harris County about every two years. Most of the flooding is in areas developed prior to the current understanding of flood potential and prior to regulations restricting construction in flood-prone areas.
Did you know that everyone lives in a flood zone? You don't need to live near water to be flooded. Learn more about the ways that geography and the environment affect your flood risk and get information about the Harris County drainage network.
Partnerships with federal and state agencies, local communities, and private interests play a vital role in funding many of the projects completed by the Flood Control District.
Building new flood damage reduction projects helps reduce flooding risks for Harris County homes and businesses, while other programs maintain our drainage investment, plan for the future, and turn stormwater detention basins and channels into community amenities and environmental assets.
On August 25, 2018, Harris County voters approved $2.5 billion in bonds to finance flood damage reduction projects. This additional funding, together with other funding sources, supports a wide variety of recovery and resiliency initiatives.
Capital projects include those major projects that reduce flooding risks and damages by increasing stormwater conveyance capacity in bayous and drainage channels, or by excavating stormwater detention basins. Stormwater detention basins reduce flooding risks and damages during heavy rain events by safely storing excess stormwater and slowly releasing it back to the bayou when the threat of flooding has passed.
Along with mowing and routine maintenance of the county’s 2,500 miles of channel, dozens of stormwater detention basins and thousands of buyout lots, the Flood Control District conducts major maintenance to repair damage caused by storms and erosion.
The Flood Control District’s activities have diversified since its creation in 1937. From tree planting and environmental programs to Voluntary Home Buyouts and more, these additional programs help the Flood Control District fully meet its mission.
The Flood Control District builds and maintains numerous capital and major maintenance projects throughout the county. These projects are organized, coordinated and managed with respect to the watersheds they benefit.
Resources
Stay informed and prepared! Whenever the forecast calls for possible heavy rainfall, Houston and Harris County residents are urged to monitor weather conditions, and to pay close attention to road conditions on their daily travel routes.
Interactive Mapping Tools keep the residents of Harris County and the City of Houston informed, help Flood Control District employees do their jobs and, most importantly, help us fulfill our mission to provide flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values.
Access resources for educating yourself and others about Harris County's waterways.
Community
Visit this page to get information about upcoming and completed community engagement and public meetings.
Send us your comments and questions, sign up for news and alerts, report an issue, request service, or just let us know how we're doing.
Plant trees, beautify neighborhoods and public areas, get to know fellow residents, and learn more about outreach programs in your community.
Stay informed with the latest news and public announcements from the Flood Control District. In addition to formal press releases, you can also follow us on social media for project status updates, flood watch advisories, and more.
Prospective job seekers as well as contractors and consultants will find all the tools they need. You can search for open positions and access resources for working with the Flood Control District, here.
Much of the watershed has been developed, including several areas of significant industrial and pertrochemical activity. The watershed is adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel.
Galveston Bay supports a wide diversity of marine habitat and wildlife, including adjacent marshes and estuaries. Many areas within the watershed are considered environmentally sensitive.
Published March 5, 2021