Unpacking the Brazos River

From landscaping and waste collection to high-tech AV integration and industrial maintenance—if you’re a small consultant, a specialized team, or a growing business, we’re looking for partners like you. Whether you’re a solo contractor or a growing company, here is your insider guide to landing work with us.   Plus, we said we’d provide a cheat sheet of the acronyms and sites we discussed, so here...

The 16 Tainter gates at DeCordova Bend Dam have been in service since 1969. Tune in as we discuss how it’s holding up after all this time, and what the future may hold. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.    Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org.   Host: Charlie L. Shugart, BRA assistant...

Is local lake decline the result of the Brazos River Authority selling off even more water, or is classic Texas summer heat to blame? Tune in as we discuss where the water is going, what would happen if we quit providing it, and what is causing the spike in usage.   When you’re done, check out these articles: What will lakes look like in two months if they don’t get rain and our late summer heat c...

It turns out “River Authority” is a loaded name and lots of folks assume we handle everything that happens on or near the Brazos. From flood control to fish kills to docks and development, we’re explaining what we don’t do — and pointing you to the right place when it’s not us. So, tune in to see which sites you should bookmark when you want to skip a phone call to find out who oversees something....

They’re tiny, relentless, and threatening to cause chaos in Central Texas. But a surprising ally may be the key to keeping our drinking water safe – and your boating adventures drama free. Tune in to hear what’s happening beneath the surface of one of your favorite fishing lakes and how bath time is no joke. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.    If you prefer to...

If you want to take your shot at securing one of the few waterfowl hunting sites at any of the three Brazos River Authority reservoirs, this is the episode for you. The annual drawings for the select locations to hunt on the lakes will be here before you know it. Tune in for everything you need to know for a chance to hunt on lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, or Limestone.   If you’d prefer to read...

Think you know who the biggest water guzzler is in your area? You might want to sit down for this one.  Dive into the data on lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, Whitney, Georgetown, and the rest of the crew in the Brazos River Basin. We’ve also got a breakdown of how much water goes to everyday people just trying to hydrate, versus how much power plants use to keep your lights on, as well as what’s l...

Hydrologist, welder, engineer, plant operator, project manager – there’s a good chance there’s a wider range of positions than you might guess at the Brazos River Authority. And with offices as far North as Possum Kingdom Lake, and far south as Clute and Richwood, you might find something close to home, or better yet, some place you’d actually want to live. So, how do you come to work for the BRA?...

After years of development and permitting, concepts and models transformed into a physical source of water supply. Tune in to hear how data, not dirt, created a new source of water in the Brazos River Basin. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.    Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to hear about at information@brazos.org. Lea...

From missing wedding rings to citywide disasters, find out why what you flush (and what you don’t) matters more than you realize. Skip this, and you might just be left holding the plunger and your nose. This is about No. 2 and how wastewater treatment isn’t just a crappy topic — it’s flush with surprises. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority.    Share your thoughts...

Plan on renting a jet ski this summer? Itching to take the boat out on the next pretty day? What if your next boat day was totally drama-free and actually pretty epic? Discover the best ramps, avoid rookie mistakes, and get the lowdown on making your next (or first!) visit to lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, or Limestone the ultimate boat day. A little planning means less stress and more Texas memo...

Keeping our littlest swimmers safe, the Brazos River Authority Lake Granbury Office is hosting its 8th Annual Water Safety Awareness Day. Bring the kids to get their free life jacket, and while they are there, they can learn to fish, grab a free hot dog, and visit all the kid-friendly booths! Tune in to hear all the details of this free event and then join us from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 16, 2026, at...

Understanding why, when, and how the BRA moves water can help you manage your risks on the Brazos River Basin’s rivers, lakes, and tributaries. How long does it actually take for water to reach you? And which specific bookmarks do you need on your phone to protect your property? This is your practical guide to the Brazos to make smart decisions for your family and your gear.  Learn about the scien...

From the 28-mile Williamson County pipeline to the ambitious new drought project connecting Lakes Belton and Stillhouse Hollow, we’re talking to the experts about how pipelines aren’t just about digging trenches. With the Brazos River Basin population expected to double in the next 50 years, it's about balancing water quality, navigating thousands of property easements, and facing the hard truth t...

From water snake wrestling matches to why a banana on a boat is a ticket to a bad day, tune in to hear why the number of bugs in a given spot affects the water in your favorite fishing location or kayaking trail. We’ve lured in some aquatic scientists who are sharing tales from across the Brazos River Basin and who will make you see your favorite waterway in a whole new light. Unpacking the Brazos...

Lakes – you love them, but sometimes they don’t act the way you think they should. We’re swimming through it all to break down why some reservoirs are designed to flood their own parks on purpose, and how there’s a group patrolling the banks of rivers and tributaries to make sure nobody is sneaking an extra sip from the system. Plus, we’re talking about why you can't just flip a switch and change...

A drop of rain in Lubbock might end up in a glass of water in Galveston three weeks later. Your favorite weekend spot adjacent to a reservoir might be intentionally underwater.  There are a few different day jobs for Texas’ lakes, and they play an important role you might not see.  From keeping the lights on to ensuring the kitchen faucet doesn’t run dry, we’re breaking down the roles they have an...

Water doesn't magically show up just because people move here. With the Brazos River Basin projected to double in population by 2080, business as usual won't cut it. Join the BRA’s Chief Strategic Officer, Jon King, along with Program Manager Rachel Lane, to answer the question on everyone’s mind: Can we just not build another lake? From 3,000 BC dam history to modern-day geotechnical drilling, we...

This week, we’re sitting down with the BRA’s GM/CEO as he discusses the “bad hobby habit” that launched his 30 years of living and breathing the Brazos River Basin. Learn about how he navigates the urban sprawl affecting our water supply and the $6 million inflationary headaches trolling the basin’s future. It’s a story about passion, a story about progress, and the phone call that started it all....

Forget the fancy survival manuals and the jargon. Most of us think a disaster is something that happens to the guy on the news, not to us. We’re getting real about what it takes to actually stay alive when Texas weather turns mean. We're talking "Taco Watches," WWII fighter pilots, and the one simple thing you can do this month to make sure your family is ready for the unthinkable. Because when th...

How cold does the water have to be to cause cold water shock? Probably not as cold as you think. We’re diving into how common mistakes can turn a great day at the lake into a tragedy, and how a simple mantra can help keep you and your loved ones safe. Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, and ideas for podcast episodes you’d like to...

We're talking massive steel gates, legendary Texas pioneers, and why evaporation is truly Lake Limestone’s No. 1 customer. This water supply reservoir is a place where German tourists, traveling preachers, and locals all converge, but keeping this paradise protected is a full-time, hands-on job. Tune in as we hear about replacing more than 40-ton gates using a massive crane barge and dealing with...

That delicious, buttery gravy, salad dressing, peanut butter, and bacon grease you just washed down the sink can become a slow-motion dynamite for your home's plumbing. Why is Brown Friday the busiest day for plumbers, and how can your own holiday cleanup habits leave you with a disgusting, raw sewage back-up and a repair bill that costs more than your entire feast? Unpacking the Brazos River is a...

Growth and water needs are colliding in Eastern Williamson County. We’re unpacking a series of projects ongoing to secure a sustainable water future for the entire region. Learn about the bottlenecks, dealing with 112-degree water, and the radical idea of storing water in underground “bubbles.” Unpacking the Brazos River is a podcast by the Brazos River Authority. Share your thoughts, questions, a...

How long would it take a rubber ducky to float the Brazos River? Where in the Brazos River Basin does it look like it has snowed because there’s so much salt on the ground? Dive into the surprising history of the Brazos, hear how its mouth moved, and learn the critical role its reservoirs play in ensuring you have a reliable supply of water for everything from drinking to air conditioning.  Unpack...