About

The Harris County Flood Control District is a special purpose district created by the Texas Legislature in 1937 and governed by Harris County Commissioners Court. It was created in response to devastating floods that struck the region in 1929 and 1935. The Flood Control District's jurisdictional boundaries are set to coincide with Harris County, a community of more than 4.7 million people (2020 census) that includes the City of Houston. The other boundaries in which we operate – those provided by nature – are the 23 primary watersheds within Harris County's 1,777 square miles. Each watershed has its own independent flooding problems. Each watershed presents unique challenges. Click on map to enlarge.

The Flood Control District utilizes a number of primary tools to reduce flood damages throughout the county. Generally speaking, these tools are implemented in flood damage reduction projects.

When the Allen brothers founded Houston in 1836, they established the town at the confluence of Buffalo and White Oak bayous. Shortly thereafter, every structure in the new settlement flooded. Early settlers documented that after heavy rains, their wagon trips west through the prairie involved days of walking through knee-deep water.

Floods have caused a greater loss of life and property in the United States, and have disrupted more families and communities, than all other natural hazards combined.

Partnerships with federal and state agencies, local communities and private interests play a vital role in Flood Control District projects across Harris County.