County eyes new approach to managing stormwater

Harris County Commissioners Court on March 14 recommended a study of technology that could prevent flooding like the events that occurred last spring by redirecting stormwater to underground aquifers, where it could be stored for future use.

Commissioners recommended conducting a joint study that will be funded by the county and the Harris County Flood Control District to examine the feasibility of the technology in Precinct 4, where creeks overflowed during spring storms in 2016.

“The idea is that when you have a big flood, you pump it underground, and [water is available] later when you need it,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said.

An initial $150,000-$175,000 investment for the study would be split between the county and the HCFCD, Cagle said.

Cagle said the pumping technology could also reduce subsidence—the sinking of land—in flooded areas and prevent well water from becoming contaminated by seawater.

If the project is determined to be feasible, it could be used countywide and at the state and national levels, Cagle said.

“If we can solve all the problems, the benefits are just enormous,” Cagle said.