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

2024 State of Our Environment Report: Each year, the Environmental Officer delivers a report on Austin's environment. This report provides a snapshot of the current condition of Austin's air, land, water, and forest. Read the report here: https://state-of-our-environment-austin.hub.arcgis.com/
2024 Annual Report: Our Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report highlights our efforts to further the City’s strategic plan priorities. The report can be found online at https://wpdatx.my.canva.site/2024.
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?

It’s officially spring! As the days grow longer, are you gearing up for gardening & spending more time outdoors with pets? Please protect our environment while enjoying the season! Visit GrowGreen.org for info on plant selection, rebates, pest management, rainwater harvesting resources, & more. Thoughtful landscaping choices save water, support local wildlife, & reduce pollution in our creeks, lakes, & springs. Remember to scoop your pet’s poop & dispose of it properly – out on walks & in your yard! Visit ScoopThePoopAustin.org for more information, free yard signs, & other helpful resources. Read more on Facebook.

Photo of native texas garden and people walking dogs