Watershed Protection | AustinTexas.gov

Welcome to Watershed Protection

Watershed Protection protects lives, property and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion and water pollution.

Key Services and Information

Featured Programs and Projects

Colorado River Protections

In 2022, the Austin City Council requested that we prepare code updates to protect the Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam. We are recommending updating erosion protections in Austin's Land Development Code and associated criteria manuals. The soils downstream of Longhorn Dam are sandy and easily wash away. We are already seeing roads, pipes and even buildings threatened. Code updates can help prevent new problems in the future as this area continues to develop.

Colorado River Protections

Drainage Charge Rate Increase

The City of Austin Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget includes a drainage charge rate increase. The new rate will be $0.06780 / impervious cover square foot per year ($0.00565 / impervious cover square foot per month). That is an annual change of $14.52 for a residential customer with 3,100 square feet of impervious cover and 37% impervious cover. The new rate will be reflected on November utility bills.

Floodplain Remapping: The City of Austin, Travis County and other Central Texas communities are updating floodplain maps in the region based on the Atlas 14 study. Our current floodplain maps show where flooding is likely to occur with 10.2 inches of rainfall in 24 hours. The updated maps will reflect flooding from almost 13 inches of rain in some areas. This amount of rainfall has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year (the 100-year storm). Find out more about floodplain remapping efforts at ATXFloodplains.com.

Rain to River: Rain to River is a strategic plan that will guide the work of the Watershed Protection Department for the next 10 years. Our department will use this plan to set goals, prioritize our work, and guide our decision making to tackle urgent challenges such as climate change and racial inequities. The plan will update and replace the current Watershed Protection Strategic Plan. We need your help to draft the plan!

What's on Facebook?

We were honored to host delegates from Japan! During their tour of the Waller Creek Tunnel, the delegates explored how we reduce flood risk in downtown Austin. They got a firsthand look at operations — including the giant claw that lifts debris to keep water flowing smoothly through the system.