Current News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wetlands protect your health, the environment and wildlife, and provide great opportunities for recreation. There are several you can visit in the Brazos River basin during World Wetlands Day.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to store water for future use in your yard; it also can save you money while helping our environment.

While water is one of the most basic necessities in our lives, people often take it for granted – until there are problems. When you have questions about water, the BRAs Water School has answers.

Temperatures in the Brazos River basin are usually not cold enough to damage the pipes of your home. But Texas weather changes quickly and when an arctic front hits, there may not be time to think about your pipes. Before it gets too cold, plan ahead to avoid very costly results of frozen pipes.

Cooler weather, reduced need for watering make this a great time of year to plant a tree or shrub.

Signaling cooler weather ahead, falling leaves can quickly fill up your yard. What you do with those leaves can help or hurt the environment – including our drinking water – and provide you with a financial benefit.

With the amount of rain we’ve had this year, water conservation might seem a little silly. But the fact is, the next drought could start tomorrow. Why not continue to practice water conservation all the time? For more, click the photo.

Fertilizing in the fall allows the soil to absorb nutrients promoting a healthy lawn in the spring. However, with many options and complex terminology, anyone can easily be confused. Let’s break it down for you…

Elementary students can “saddle up” and gain a greater understanding about water in Texas with Major Rivers and his horse Aquifer through the Major Rivers educational program. The Brazos River Authority offers free packages to schools located in the Brazos River basin.

If you are part of a group that has questions about water-related issues, whether past present or future, the Brazos River Authority Speakers Bureau can help provide answers and information.

Thanks to a collaboration between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Brazos River Authority, fishing enthusiasts will have enhanced fishing opportunities while fish in three basin reservoir locations will enjoy a better environment.

Did you know that the Salt Fork of the Brazos River acquired its name because it flows across salt deposits from an ancient salt sea? Or, that a 50-year flood is one that has a two percent chance of occurring in any given year? If you’re interested in water related information, click the photo.

Being ready for potential trouble can help you survive and withstand those times when disaster strikes.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved a water right permit that will make additional water supply available for use in the Brazos River basin. For more, click the photo.

Hot and dry weather has created prime conditions for a rare but deadly disease that occurs in some cases where surface water is forced into the nasal passages. There are things you can do to help keep yourself and those you care about safe while still enjoying the water.

If you are planning a visit to a lake, river or pond, you should know that there could be dangerous organisms lurking in the water. The good news is that you can take precautions to protect yourself and those you care about, while still enjoying the water.

Questions abound when flooding occurs in the Brazos basin. Water levels can be monitored via USGS Gaging Stations while projected flooding and crests can be viewed via the NOAA Hydrologic Prediction Service. To learn more about these tools and release protocol, click the picture.

The need for lawn watering is virtually non-existent during the winter months. However, with erratic weather, there is a potential problem that requires attention so that your lawn stays healthy well into the spring.

It’s the question most posed to the Brazos River Authority during periods of drought. With most reservoirs full, now is a good time to take a closer look at just what happened during the drought and at how reservoirs are designed to work.

The Brazos River basin is a beautiful and unique place to call home even during the fall and winter months. To view the photos submitted by Brazos basin residents, click the picture.

Preparing your home for winter weather can save you from expensive and irritating repairs. A few basic precautions can help you protect your home (whether at the lake or far away) from the extreme temperatures of winter, helping to prevent damage and the need for costly repairs.

The Brazos River Authority congratulates the City of Sugar Land on completion of a reclaimed water treatment facility. The new facility is a conservation partnership effort between the City of Sugar Land and the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 128 to help meet goals established for groundwater reduction requirements set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District.

If you notice a peculiar odor on the lake this time of year, chances are it’s a process called turnover. Find out what causes it, what it means for the reservoirs and the fish population and what the prospects are for the near future.