Flood Control in Houston: Who's in Charge

Houston floods more often and more severely than almost any other major American city. Flat terrain, clay-heavy soil, rapid development, and exposure to Gulf hurricanes create a perfect storm — literally. Since 2015, the region has experienced five federally declared flood disasters. Understanding who manages flood control and how decisions get made is essential for every Houstonian.

Source: Harris County Flood Control District; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Who does what:

• Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) — the primary agency. Manages 2,500+ miles of bayous and channels across Harris County. Builds detention basins, improves channels, acquires flood-prone properties. Funded by a dedicated property tax. Led by an executive director, overseen by Commissioners Court.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — manages the Addicks and Barker reservoirs (the two large dams on the west side). Federal agency, federal funding. The Corps also partners on major channel improvement projects.
• City of Houston — manages stormwater drainage within city limits (storm sewers, street drainage, ditch maintenance). Separate from HCFCD.
• TxDOT — manages drainage along state highways.

The bond program: After Hurricane Harvey (2017), Harris County voters approved a $2.5 billion bond for flood control — the largest in the county's history. Projects include channel widening, new detention basins, property buyouts, and bridge replacements. Track progress at hcfcd.org/bond-program.

Flood insurance: Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flooding. You need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Everyone in Houston should have flood insurance — it floods everywhere here, not just in floodplains.

Source: HCFCD; FEMA; Army Corps of Engineers

Know your flood risk:

1. Check your flood zone at harriscountyfemt.org — enter your address to see your FEMA flood zone, flood history, and whether your property has flooded before.
2. Check HCFCD's flood gauge network at harriscountyfws.org — real-time bayou levels during storms.

Get flood insurance:

• Contact your homeowner's insurance agent and ask for an NFIP policy.
• There is a 30-day waiting period before a new policy takes effect. Do not wait until storm season.
• Renters can get flood insurance too — covers your belongings.

During a flood:

• Do not drive through standing water. "Turn around, don't drown."
• If water is rising around your home, move to the highest floor. Call 911 if you need rescue.
• Monitor conditions at harriscountyfws.org and local news.

After a flood:

• Document all damage with photos before cleaning.
• File a claim with your flood insurance immediately.
• Register with FEMA at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
• HCFCD's property buyout program may be available for repeatedly flooded homes: hcfcd.org.

Flood control:

• Harris County Flood Control District: hcfcd.org
• Bond program tracker: hcfcd.org/bond-program

Real-time flood monitoring:

• harriscountyfws.org — bayou gauge network

Insurance and recovery:

• FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 | disasterassistance.gov
• Flood zone lookup: harriscountyfemt.org