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.

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.

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.

If you are scheduling a river fishing trip or an enjoyable float down the Brazos, reservoir releases can have an impact your plans.

Amazing scenic views on an award-winning trail system that connects parks and playgrounds is waiting for you at Possum Kingdom Lake.

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.

Thanksgiving feasts can be a burden to your plumbing, but there are things you can do to prevent post-holiday disasters.

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.

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.

Fall is a great time of year for family and friends to gather for cookouts and tailgate parties. But before you fire up that grill for your next big social event, be aware of grilling safety that will keep everyone safe and prevent the possibility of spreading wildfires.

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.

Getting enough water to drink can mean the difference between being healthy or not, and staying hydrated plays a crucial role in many areas of our lives. For more, click the photo.

Before you head out to the lake or river for a cool dip in the water, keep a few tips in mind that will increase your enjoyment and help keep you and those you care about safe. For more, click the photo.

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.

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.