Current News

Dry conditions make the need to conserve water a hot topic – but there are numerous benefits to conservation (including saving you money), and it’s something everyone can easily do.

Some may consider vegetation growing along riverbanks to be a nuisance or an eyesore, but it plays an important role in helping to maintain the ecological health of the river while reducing soil erosion.

July 4th is nearly here and firework sales about to skyrocket! Before you celebrate, it’s essential to know if your area is under a burn ban, how they work and how they are enforced in order to keep you and your family safe.

Homeowners who live in dry areas can help protect their property by using fire-prevention landscaping around their house. Here’s how planting, placement and maintenance can help you avert the spread of fire to your home.

Make sure you do not become an all-you-can-eat buffet for mosquitoes by following these suggestions – and help stop the spread of diseases like the West Nile and Zika viruses in the process.

Determining how frequently to water your yard doesn’t have to be difficult. It can help ensure your yard is in prime shape and save you money, all while using water wisely.

Microbes in the water – whether at a lake or swimming pool – can make you sick. But there are steps you can take to help make sure everyone stays healthy while keeping cool.

Knowing how to extinguish a campfire before leaving the site is a precautionary measure, yet some aren’t fully aware of the possible danger if not done right. June is National Camping Month, a great time to learn how to protect yourself and your family while enjoying the outdoors!

Preventing sewage from contaminating our reservoirs is a major focus of the Texas’ Clean Water Certification Program, which helps ensure that boats do not dump contaminated water.

Swimming can seem a perfect remedy for hot days and warm evenings, but there are a few things to keep in mind that will help keep everyone safe and help ensure the experience is fun.

Water may be plentiful on our planet – but it takes planning and effort to ensure it is safe to drink. Making sure we have a reliable and safe source of water is a goal of the Brazos River Authority and the emphasis of Drinking Water Week May 6-12.

For nearly 25 years, David Collinsworth has worked or managed practically every aspect of business at the Brazos River Authority. On April 1, he became the eighth general manager of the 89-year-old organization.

Whether you’re heading out for a day on the river or watching water rise following a heavy storm, having the information you need is vital. BrazosBasinNOW brings together streamflow, reservoir levels, rainfall, and river forecasts in one, easy to use site. For more, click the photo.

It is impossible to prevent severe weather, but you can at least increase your safety -- and decrease some of the impacts -- by staying aware of potential threats and preparing for what Mother Nature might send your way.

With spring here in the Brazos River basin, outdoor recreation is at its peak with many visitors maximizing their weekend. Being aware of weather conditions and having clean water on hand is key for hiking or camping enthusiasts.

Whether you are a newcomer to boating, an experienced boater who wants to be more confident operating in difficult circumstances, or someone who would just like to save money on insurance, boater education classes can help you meet each goal.

Could a silent leak be costing you money? A simple in-home test that could help you see if your money and water are going down the drain.

Cities, water supply corporations, water districts and industry accounted for more than 90 percent of water use by Brazos River Authority customers in 2017, as water needs, flood control and evaporation each had an impact on the basin’s water supply.

Looking for a low-cost product to help your lawn and garden thrive without the addition of chemicals to your yard? Tri-Gro, produced at the Temple-Belton wastewater treatment plant, fits the bill.

Timing is everything. Turning your auto sprinkler system on too soon could mean a frozen lawn -- and burst pipes. But, there are ways to know when to turn your sprinkler system back on just in time for spring.

Long-time BRA employee, David Collinsworth, has been appointed to the position of general manager/chief executive officer. He will replace Phil Ford, who is retiring at the end of March following 17 years of service.

Work is expected to improve fishing opportunities at Lake Aquilla, Lake Georgetown and Lake Granger -- additional improvements are planned.

With dry conditions overtaking the Brazos River basin and throughout most of Texas, there is one option that can help offer some relief – rainwater harvesting. Even during times of drought, there is occasional rainfall, and saving this valuable resource for use later can help ensure a healthy lawn and garden.

Continuing dry conditions within the Brazos River basin have prompted BRA hydrologists to reinstate production of reservoir level projections to keep the public and water customers up-to-date on the potential for declining lake levels.

As long as the ground is not frozen, the winter months in Texas allow a great opportunity to plant trees or shrubs, adding value to your property over time.

Looking for a place to get fit – or stay in shape – after the holidays? Possum Kingdom offers hike and bike trails with wonderful views of Texas beauty.

There are simple ways that you can save water indoors and use that money to make the holiday brighter rather than for your water bill.

If you find birds interesting to watch, there are different bird counts sponsored by the Audubon Society from now through February that can use your help.

Drier weather means greater chances of wildfires erupting. Taking careful precautions can prevent disasters.

Each year when the weather turns cooler, grass and other plants often either slow their growth rate or stop growing altogether. During this period of “hibernation,” it’s important to reduce your outdoor water use, which is beneficial not just for conservation, but also in reducing your expenses.

​​​​​​​When preparing your Thanksgiving meal, you can avoid the headache and expense of clogged drain disasters by following a few simple suggestions – and you’ll be thankful you did.

Seasonal changes are underway, and one of the results is the turnover of water in Brazos basin reservoirs, which can also result in a peculiar odor. For more, click the photo.

General Manager/CEO Phil Ford addresses current and future projects as well as transitions in this Message from the General Manager.

Are we in for a drier than usual autumn? Are there things you really shouldn’t flush? Fall recreation and Brazos River Authority’s hurricane response. All these topics are addressed in the Brazos Basin News. To read more, click the image.

For those blessed with trees on their property, mounds of fallen leaves are an inevitable sign of the autumn season. Fortunately, there are ways to address this abundance as well as other types of yard waste that could help save you a little money while protecting our water quality.

Other than Hollywood screenwriters or novelists, few want to imagine the tragedy that would follow the catastrophic failure of a dam. But preventing the worst case scenario is something that Brazos River Authority staff work continually.

The last few weeks have been very dry for much of the Brazos River basin. If you live near a water-body, it may seem that water is literally disappearing. In fact, it is. Click the photo to learn more.

School is again in session, and science fair projects with a focus on water may not only help students learn more about this vital resource, they might spark ideas that could lead to new innovations.

Illegally dumped trash on the side of the road or in seemingly remote areas is much more than a blemish on the beauty of the countryside. It’s a threat to our water and environment, and as such, it can result in hefty fines or even jail time.

Contamination from bacteria and different organisms, chemicals and debris is among the challenges facing those who have experienced flooding. Here are some tips to help keep you safe and healthy.

The Brazos River is one of the longest rivers in Texas and with countless miles of streams and tributaries, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the many benefits of kayaking. For more info, click the photo.

If you are looking for a way to unwind, look no further than the great outdoors. Studies show spending time in nature has many benefits, and reducing the impact of stress, anxiety and depression are at the top of the list. The Brazos River basin offers unlimited places to gain that stress relief.

It's August in Texas, which means it's heating up and drying out across the Brazos River basin. Wildfires can pose a threat to your property and safety. Without care, you might even be the spark. Here's what you can do:

More than 30 years ago, a routine inspection at Possum Kingdom Lake’s Morris Sheppard Dam prevented a catastrophe, underscoring the importance of consistent safety inspections, a process that continues today. For more on PK's close call and other articles in The Brazos Basin, click the photo.

When it comes to staying safe around the water, one of the most important things that can protect you or your loved ones is knowing how to swim. The American Red Cross describes drowning as a “global public health problem,” but one that people can greatly reduce.

Recently, a highly publicized death of a child by dry drowning was reported in the media. Though dry drowning is not a new problem, every parent should be aware of the signs and symptoms. If symptoms are caught early on, dry drowning can be prevented. Here’s what you need to know.

A study by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Brazos River Authority into the potential for increasing Lake Aquilla’s water supply storage capacity is now available for review by the general public.

Before you take your boat out, make sure you have all the necessary equipment to help keep you and others safe and in compliance with state law (and federal, if you plan to go on ocean waters).

The Brazos River Authority's System Operation Permit Drought Study is complete. To view the full study, click the photo.

Staying safe is the first rule for an enjoyable camping trip on the river. Whether it’s staying off private property or paying attention to the possibility of quickly rising river water, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

Ever get water up your nose when swimming? Be careful -- a rare disease is caused by an amoeba that thrives in warm surface water. If that water is inhaled into your nose, the results can be fatal. But there are ways to greatly reduce the risk.

Knowing whether a property purchase you are considering is located in a flood zone can save you trouble later, and make you aware of extra costs.

They’re fast, maneuverable and fun, but personal watercraft are definitely not toys. They can be dangerous and require added skill from those riding them. Here’s why.

100 years ago, life expectancy in America was only 47 years and deaths because of contaminated water were common. Today, as we mark National Drinking Water Week, we can be thankful that life expectancy has risen to 78 years -- in large part to safe drinking water.

The Brazos River Authority’s three reservoirs hold numerous record catches providing you a chance to reel in a record.

When you are planning a fun day boating, life jackets can sometimes be an afterthought. But they shouldn’t be. Life jackets can keep you alive when accidents happen without warning.

Did you know Alligator Gar have been around over 100 million years according to fossil records? Their sheer size along with population in rivers, reservoirs and coastal bays has attracted fishermen to the Brazos River basin for decades.

For more than four decades, the City of Sugar Land and the Brazos River Authority have maintained a strong partnership in meeting that community’s needs.

Even a tiny drip makes your water bill more expensive and wastes valuable water when allowed to continue. Leaks also make a huge impact nationwide when you consider their combined impact. This is the focus of National Fix a Leak Week, March 20-26.

Weather extremes – from scorching drought to overwhelming floods – are as certain as day and night in Texas. But in recent years the impact is becoming more widespread, and climate experts are looking for ways to offset their effects.