The heart of this strategy is an ongoing drainage assessment and maintenance program that ensures the drainage system continues to perform optimally, even in the face of catastrophic weather events.
Proven resilience
Thanks to a combination of excellent original design and a rigorous maintenance schedule, The Woodlands drainage system has weathered some of the most severe flooding events in recent history with relatively minimal impact.
During events like the Tax Day Flood in 2016 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017, The Woodlands experienced far less flooding compared to surrounding areas. This resilience is a direct result of years of careful planning, prompt repairs and continuous upkeep.
“Woodlands Water is the steward of an extremely well-designed drainage system, one that’s proven again and again to perform under extreme conditions,” general manager Erich Peterson said. “Our job is to ensure it continues to perform that way, and we accomplish that through a diligent maintenance and renewal program.”
Key efforts have included:
- Quarterly mowing and fertilizing: Regular maintenance of vegetation along the slopes of drainage ditches helps minimize erosion. Fertilizing also ensures the vegetation remains healthy, which in turn stabilizes the soil and reduces the risk of soil degradation that can hinder drainage capacity.
- Annual application of herbicide: To ensure unobstructed flow of water, Woodlands Water applies herbicide to control overgrowth within drainage channels, preventing vegetation from impeding water flow.
- Storm response: After each storm event, the team conducts detailed assessments of any localized flooding and infrastructure failures.
Looking ahead: A full drainage assessment
As The Woodlands celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, it serves as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. The drainage facilities, too, require ongoing attention and renewal. To ensure that the system continues to meet the community’s needs in the coming decades, Woodlands Water has launched a comprehensive, full-scale assessment of its drainage infrastructure.
This assessment aims to examine every aspect of the over 1,000 acres of drainage ditches in the community. The goal is to identify areas that need repair, determine the original design intent of each ditch and drainage pipe, and develop a detailed 10-year plan to address necessary repairs.
So far, about 10% of the drainage system has been thoroughly assessed. The results have generally been positive, with most ditches in good condition, though some areas have revealed signs of wear, particularly in the form of deteriorating corrugated metal pipes.
Replacing these older CMPs with more durable materials like high-density polyethylene plastic pipe is a key priority. This process requires extensive excavation, often involving the removal and replacement of large amounts of earth to access the pipes and install the new materials.
Working with Municipal Utility Districts
The portion of The Woodlands that lies in Montgomery County comprises ten Municipal Utility Districts; Woodlands Water is the managing agency for these ten MUDs. Each MUD is responsible for different aspects of infrastructure maintenance, including drainage. To ensure a coordinated and efficient effort, Woodlands Water is working closely with the MUDs to develop a roadmap for drainage improvements across the community.
As with any large-scale infrastructure project, the level of maintenance required can vary between different areas of The Woodlands. The assessment findings will help prioritize the areas that need the most work, with an eye on both short-term and long-term needs.
As part of the planning process, Woodlands Water will collaborate with the MUDs to secure funding and allocate resources to ensure the necessary repairs and upgrades can be made.
A long-term commitment to community resilience
The importance of a well-maintained drainage system cannot be overstated, especially with more frequent and intense storms in the region.
By investing in the long-term health and functionality of its drainage infrastructure, Woodlands Water is making sure that the community remains resilient in the face of flooding and heavy rainfall.
“Our greatest priority is the safety and well-being of our community. The actions we take now will not only serve us tomorrow but far into the future, helping ensure we remain the best place to live, work, play and pray,” Peterson said.
Learn more
To learn more about this project and others, visit Woodlands Water's website for detailed information and updates.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.