Willow Waterhole Bayou stormwater detention basin project set to begin construction

Construction is set to begin on a stormwater detention basin at Willow Waterhole Bayou upstream of South Post Oak Road to reduce the risk of flooding within the vicinity of the basin, according to a June 29 news release from Harris County Flood Control District.

Harris County Commissioners Court gave the green light for the project June 9. Survey and prep activities are already underway with an expected completion date in three months, according to the release.

The project will cost about $1.3 million, paid for through the flood control district’s capital funds, according to a spokesperson from the flood control district.

Both Harris County Flood Control and the city of Houston coordinated on the project location.

“This is an exciting project,” said Martha Castex-Tatum, the city of Houston’s vice mayor pro tem, in the release. “Anytime we have the ability to reduce the risk of flooding of homes and businesses, we are improving the quality of life for our residents. This area deserves the relief this project will provide after repeatedly flooding over the past several years. The construction of this detention basin is a testament of the power of partnerships and community engagement.”

The new basin will hold approximately 17.6 acre-feet, or nearly 5.7 million gallons, of stormwater during heavy rain events.