Thursday Morning Update

As new storms are approaching the area, we wanted to provide an update on the current state of water in our district.

Fort Bend County LID #15 – The Alcorn Bayou watershed has been pumped down, and there is ample detention capacity available. Based on the current rain projections and pumping power the district will be able to move the expected water out of the area.

The Steep Bank Creek watershed has the four main pumps that are operating as designed. 5 of the 12 trailer mounted pumps are moving water to aid in the speed of water removal. We expect the remaining seven will be deployed throughout the day. We are currently pumping approximately 120,000 gallons per minute (GPM) out of the watershed. The nine pumps currently active have dropped the water level down 2.5 feet from a high on Wednesday morning. Without rain, it will continue to drop about an inch per hour.

If any of the projections get increased, we will notify you on the website, facebook page and through emails and texts.

Storm Update: May 7, 2019 at 9:00 PM

As an update to yesterday’s post, we wanted to include the latest hydrologic predictions for the Brazos River at Richmond. This reading serves as a barometer to the severity of a storm. As you can see at 8:15 pm tonight they accounted for an increase in predicted rainfall. The river is still expected to fall during the weekend, but for the next few days, we will be entering into a flood stage.

What does that mean?

Any water level in the Brazos at Richmond that rises to 45 feet is considered a flood stage. From 45’ to 48’ it is considered a “minor flood stage.” At 48 feet it is considered a “moderate flood stage.” Higher than 50’ is a Harvey type event and is a “major flood event.” You can find this information here. At this time the event is still considered to be a “minor flood stage.”

LID 15 Response

Over the past week, the levee operator (LMS) has been pumping down the water levels in preparation for the event. As you may recall after Harvey LID 15 and LID 19 purchased twelve (12) portable pumping units adding additional power for the district. These are located at the Steep Bank Pump Station and are expected to be pumping this week in addition to the standard pumps. These portable units will add an extra 81,000 gallons per minute pumping power to the district.

As a reminder during rain events, you will see higher levels of water in the ponds and levees. Periods of heavy rains may produce ponding on the streets. These will be temporary situations as the pumps catch up to a downpour. Please drive safely and do not attempt to drive into high waters.

We will post the hydrologic indicators and provide additional updates throughout the event.