Barker Reservoir Watershed Repair Package 1 Substantially Complete, Enhancing Flood Control Infrastructure in Harris County
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) has announced that the Barker Reservoir Watershed Repair Package 1 is substantially complete, marking a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing efforts to improve flood control infrastructure across the region. This repair project, which began in late 2022, has focused on addressing critical erosion and slope failures along Mason Creek and a tributary of Upper Buffalo Bayou. Construction contractors are set to demobilize in the coming weeks, signaling the conclusion of this phase of work.
The repairs in Package 1 have addressed significant damage to flood control infrastructure within HCFCD rights-of-way, as well as in the channels themselves. The scope of work has included the stabilization of eroded slopes, repairs to concrete structures, and fixes to stormwater outfalls—essential measures to ensure that the channels function effectively during future flood events. This project is part of HCFCD’s broader effort to preserve and enhance flood control channels upstream of the Barker Reservoir, an area that plays a critical role in managing stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods.
Repair Package 1 Areas: According to HCFCD, the scope of work for this project takes place along Mason Creek Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner, underscored the importance of these repairs for the region's flood mitigation efforts. “Maintaining our flood mitigation infrastructure is critical to reduce risk from future flood events and to create a more resilient Harris County,” Briones said. “The Barker Reservoir repair project will directly benefit neighborhoods upstream of the Reservoir by addressing critical erosion and structural issues along channels that flow into Mason Creek and Buffalo Bayou. Through our partnership with the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County is completing these vital projects, strengthening our flood control systems, and safeguarding families before the next major storm.”
This repair effort is part of a larger, multi-phase initiative funded through the 2018 Bond Program, aimed at improving flood control capacity across the county. Dr. Tina Petersen, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project, noting, “Our maintenance and repair efforts within the Barker Reservoir watershed are significant, and we’re pleased with the progress. This work is part of our ongoing focus on ensuring the channels upstream of the reservoir are functioning at design capacity as they carry stormwater out of surrounding neighborhoods and into the Barker Reservoir. This project was included in the 2018 Bond Program and provides substantial and immediate benefits to residents in the area, making the surrounding communities safer from flooding.”
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Project Overview: Barker Reservoir Watershed Repair
The Barker Reservoir Watershed Repair Package 1 focused on restoring and enhancing the functionality of channels flowing into the Barker Reservoir, an essential component of the flood control infrastructure in Harris County. The channels being repaired carry stormwater away from neighborhoods and direct it into the federal reservoir, helping to reduce the impact of flooding in the region.
The project specifically targeted areas affected by erosion and slope failures. Additionally, repairs were made to concrete structures and stormwater outfalls that help direct runoff into the reservoir. These efforts are essential to ensuring the continued safety of surrounding communities, particularly as climate change and urban development increase flood risks.
The contract for this repair package, worth approximately $6.46 million, was awarded to Environmental Allies. Construction started in late 2022, with substantial completion expected by Q4 2024. This phase of work covers approximately 20 linear miles of channels within Harris County.
Project DetailsProject Name: Barker Reservoir Watershed Repair Package 1 Contractor: Environmental Allies Contract Amount: $6.46 million Start Date: Q4 2022 Completion Date: Q4 2024 Focus Areas: Erosion control, slope stabilization, structural repairs, stormwater management Bond Program Funding: 2018 HCFCD Bond, Project ID: F-52 |
Future Phases: Repair Package 2 and De-Silt Work
While Repair Package 1 is nearing completion, additional work is underway as part of the broader Barker Reservoir Watershed improvement effort. Repair Package 2, which will address further repairs to the channels upstream of the reservoir, includes work at 19 locations across the watershed. The scope of work will involve rebuilding side slopes, replacing inlet structures and storm outfalls, removing sediment, and installing rock to restore the channels to their design capacity. This phase is designed to further improve the stormwater management system in the region, ensuring that channels remain operational during major rain events.
In addition to the repair packages, HCFCD has launched a De-Silt Package aimed at removing sediment that has accumulated in the channels over time. This sediment removal will enhance the flow of stormwater into the Barker Reservoir and help prevent future flooding in the area. The De-Silt Package will remove approximately 174,650 cubic yards of silt from channels along Mason Creek, Buffalo Bayou, and other tributaries.
Repair Package 2 Areas: According to HCFCD, the scope of work for this project will take place along Mason Creek A Commitment to Flood Control and Community Safety
The Harris County Flood Control District continues to prioritize flood mitigation as a critical component of its mission to safeguard local communities. The Barker Reservoir repairs are part of a larger effort to ensure that the region’s flood control infrastructure is operating at optimal capacity. These efforts are funded primarily through the 2018 Bond Program and have already provided substantial benefits to residents living in flood-prone areas.
For more information about the Barker Reservoir Watershed Repair Package 1 or other flood control initiatives in the region, residents can visit www.hcfcd.org/F52.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
