Unpacking the Brazos River

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...

Who owns the water in our rivers and lakes? Why do certain people, municipalities, and agencies get water rights? Is a watermaster a superhero or a real person? There are a lot of misconceptions about the answers to these questions, and in this episode, David Collinsworth, BRA’s General Manager and CEO, and Brad Brunett, BRA's chief operations officer, break down the complicated Texas water rights...

Lace up your boots, inflate those bike tires, and get ready for an adventure at this North Texas reservoir. With 16 miles of "choose your own adventure" trails, a chance to encounter bobcats (and lots of other Texas wildlife,) and a spectacular view of Hell’s Gate, Possum Kingdom Lake has a hike and bike trail you don’t want to miss.    This episode is your trail map to learn how to craft your per...

Tired of feeling a little "fuzzy" on what the Brazos River Authority actually does? Join us as we discuss the Texas-sized problem that led to the BRA’s creation (and how our mission has evolved,) why conservation isn’t just about turning off the faucet, and a surprising look at our role in wastewater treatment – trust us, it’s cleaner than you think.   Discover the full scope of the BRA’s responsi...

Thinking about releasing your unwanted fish into the wild? Think again! These seemingly harmless pets can become invasive nightmares, destroying ecosystems and costing Texans money. We're talking about why that cute goldfish or lush aquarium plant could spell big trouble for Texas waterways.   Plus, hear about the fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) details of "fish taxis" and why some fish are...

We're unraveling the invisible threads connecting your morning shower to a power plant, your garden hose to flood control, and your very existence to one of the most vital lifelines of the state