All Dams have Risks

All Dams have Risks

Many dams were created to help protect people and property from flooding; however, there are inherent risks with dams too. Although highly unlikely for our dams, there is always are risk of dam breach which can have catastrophic impacts. Dams are rated by the consequences of those downstream impacts if the dam were to fail. Rapid urbanization has occurred since the Upper Brushy Creek dams were built in late 1950’s and early 1960’s resulting in all of our dams being classified as High Hazard.

In 2002, the District voters approved our taxing ability to ensure our dams were improved to address the high hazard standards and maintained in perpetuity. Our dams were modernized to meet the standards associated with being rated as high hazard. Typically, this meant raising the dam height to prevent over-topping and allow for the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) to safely pass through the spillways. 

The high hazard classification coupled with the age our dams (all 50+) makes proper care of the dams more critical than ever. It difficult to age gracefully when you are exposed to gravity and the Texas weather for over five decades.The District inspects all its dams regularly. The comprehensive dam inspections, continuous maintenance program, and the recently completed risk based assessment of our dam portfolio allows the Board and staff to make sound management decisions, investing resources in the right places at the right time.

The District further manages the unlikely risk of dam failure through its emergency action plan, coordination with area emergency managers, and preparedness drills.