The Brookglen subdivision in La Porte, Texas, located along the channels of Armand Bayou, is a neighborhood that has long struggled with flooding.
A History of Flooding
Over the years, residents have faced frequent floods, with the area experiencing high water after nearly every major storm or flood event. According to Harris County Flood Control District Precinct 2 Coordinator, Jeremy Ratcliff, flooding has been a constant issue in this area.
Longtime residents, like Larry Peterson, have witnessed the devastating effects of floods firsthand.
Personal Experiences of Flooding
Larry Peterson, who has lived in Brookglen for over 30 years, recalls how severe storms and events like Hurricane Harvey caused flooding that reached his front door and even entered his garage. Many of his neighbors have had similar experiences, with stormwater often flooding their homes.
New Efforts to Prevent Flooding
To address this issue, the Harris County Flood Control District has more than 100 active projects aimed at protecting homes from floodwaters. One of the projects in Brookglen was the construction of a retention pond, which was completed in mid-spring.
This pond is designed to hold runoff from the nearby channels, providing temporary relief from floods. However, the district has not yet had the opportunity to test the pond’s effectiveness with a significant rain event.
More Retention Ponds Planned
In addition to the existing retention pond, the district plans to begin constructing a second pond in Brookglen by the end of the year. This second pond, expected to be completed in 12 to 18 months, will further improve flood protection in the area.
Both ponds are being funded by a bond package approved by voters in 2018, with a total cost of $5 to $6 million.
Once both ponds are complete, they will be able to hold up to 16.4 million gallons of stormwater, which is enough to fill 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Peterson is hopeful that these efforts will significantly reduce flooding in the area and protect homes from future water damage.
Optimism for the Future
Peterson remains optimistic that the retention ponds will successfully protect the homes in Brookglen. He believes the ponds will be able to handle the water runoff and keep the streets dry, avoiding the devastating flooding that has plagued the area for years.
