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Before stormwater runoff reaches a creek, it usually flows through a system of smaller ditches and drainage pipes. Austin has over 1,100 miles of such systems. When the storm drain system is undersized or damaged, there may be flooding of houses, roads, and yards.

We plan, design and construct projects to help reduce local flooding. The projects generally involve installing more and larger storm drain pipes as well as inlets and outfalls. Sometimes detention ponds are also needed to avoid worsening flooding downstream of the new system. Priority is given to the most cost-effective projects that can help the most homes at the most severe risk.

This page summarizes the process of our work and highlights several projects.

Skip to Project Summaries.

Featured Project – January Drive in Northeast Austin

Construction will begin in early May! Thank you to everyone who attended the public meeting on April 16. Below is a copy of the presentation and the recording.

Components of a Storm Drain System

In Austin, most storm drain systems include pipes underneath the road that carry stormwater safety to a creek or lake. Water enters the pipes through curbside inlets, which look like a concrete slab at the edge of the road. Curb and gutter along the road are an important part of this system and help keep water out of yards. Water should drain off the road into the storm drain system in most storms.

Water is released from the storm drain into a creek at the outfall. There may be a wall, small concrete blocks called energy dissipators or stones at the outfall to help prevent erosion. In some cases, water is released into a detention or water quality pond rather than directly into a creek.

Some neighborhoods have roadside ditches instead of underground pipes.

Storm drain systems may be undersized in neighborhoods that were built before drainage regulations took effect in the early 1980s. Annexed neighborhoods may also have inadequate drainage infrastructure.

No Adverse Impact

A new storm drain system can speed up the flow of water and allow it to reach the creek more quickly than before. We must evaluate the potential impact of our projects and take steps to prevent worsening of the floodplain downstream of the project. This may take the form of a detention pond, widening of the channel, or additional drainage easements to give the water more space.

Easements

We sometimes need to purchase easements to complete our projects. An easement can either be temporary during construction or permanent. There are many different types of easements, but they all give the City limited rights of access or use.

Drainage easements are particularly common for our projects. They are generally needed either to access and maintain infrastructure or to provide a place for water to flow. Residents should not build obstructions, like fences, walls, sheds, or buildings, within a drainage easement. They should be used for grass or flowers.

Process

Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:

  • Feasibility Study – when information is collected to identify potential solutions.
  • Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.
  • Design and Permitting – when the details are worked out, construction plans drawn up and permits are acquired. Easements, if needed, are usually acquired during this phase as well.
  • Bidding – when a contractor is hired.
  • Construction – when the project is built.

Construction is dependent upon the availability of funding. In some cases, we are not able to identify a feasible or cost-effective solution during the first two phases.

Report a Drainage Problem

Resources

Project Summaries

Annie Street Flood Risk Reduction

This project will improve the storm drain system in the East Bouldin area between South First Street and Congress Ave. It will help protect the area from localized flooding. The project includes:

  • Installing new storm drain pipes
  • Upgrading existing storm drain pipes
  • Improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure
  • Street repairs
  • New sidewalks

See a map of the proposed storm drain for the Annie St. project and a map of proposed water and wastewater improvements.

Watershed

East Bouldin Creek

Location

In the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood between South First St. and Congress Ave. to the east and west; between Annie St. and Live Oak St. to the north and south.

Phasing

Due to the size of the project, it has been divided into two phases for construction.

Status

Phase 1 of this project is nearing the end of the design phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026. However, neighbors may notice construction activity before then since Texas Gas Service will be relocating gas lines in advance of this project.

To be added to the email distribution list, please email Stephanie Lott or call 512-974-2799.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

  • Phase 1: $5.3 million
  • Phase 2: $7.6 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Boggy Creek & MLK Storm Drain Improvements

This project consists of upgrading the storm drain system near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the railroad tracks near the CapMetro Red Line crossing. During heavy rain, there is potential for this area of MLK Blvd. to become impassable.

During the original construction of the Red Line, portions of the needed storm drain system were constructed. They were not placed in service until the rest of the system could be built. This project includes the rest of the system as well as a crosswalk with a pedestrian hybrid beacon, new sidewalk and other miscellaneous improvements.

Watershed

Boggy Creek

Location

In the area near MLK Jr. Blvd. and Manor Road and the railroad tracks for the CapMetro Red Line.

Phasing

This project has been split into three phases. Phase 1 and 2 have been completed.

Status

Phase 3 reached the 90-percent design milestone on April 18, 2025.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$7.1 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Brentwood Neighborhood Integrated Drainage Improvements

This study is evaluating potential solutions for flooding, erosion and water quality problems along three tributaries of Shoal Creek. This area lacks adequate drainage infrastructure because it was developed before current drainage regulations went into effect. Homes are built within the floodplain, the storm drain pipes are undersized and erosion threatens streets, utilities, and houses. There are three recommended projects coming out of the study:

  1. Lower Grover Channel area – project would include a diversion system for the Grover Channel, streambank stabilization along the Grover Channel, stormwater detention systems at McCallum High School near the tennis courts. Construction for this project is estimated to cost $17.9 million and benefit 24 homes. See map of Recommended Project 1 in the lower Grover Tributary area.

  2. Upper Grover Channel area – project would include storm drain improvements on and near Grover Ave. and a detention pond that could function as a dual use soccer facility. Construction for this project is estimated to cost $13.6 million and benefit 23 homes. Construction of this project is dependent on the construction of Lower Grover Channel as Phase 1. See map of Recommended Project 2 in the upper Grover Tributary area

  3. Hancock Branch area – project would include underground detention storage along Hancock Channel, storm drain improvements and diversion systems for the Goodnight Tributary, and storm drain improvements in the Madison area. Construction is estimated to cost $33.7 million and benefit 19 homes. See map of Recommended Project 3 in the Hancock Branch area

We have tried to find ways to help reduce flood risk for as many homes as possible, but the projects would not benefit all homes that are currently at risk of flooding. Cumulatively, these projects would benefit 59 homes by reducing the frequency and depth of flooding. Looking at a 100-year storm, which has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year, there are 70 homes at risk of flooding in the project areas. For more information about current flood risk, please see the Existing Conditions Map.  

Please note that the proposed stormwater detention systems in the lower and upper Grover Channel areas are contingent upon future negotiations with property owners.

Watershed

Shoal Creek

Location

The study area includes parts of the Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods. The study area is generally between Burnet Road and North Lamar Ave., starting at Morrow St. to the north and extending south of Koenig Lane. It includes parts of three small creeks that eventually join with Shoal Creek:

  • Hancock Tributary
  • Grover Tributary
  • Goodnight Tributary (flows into the Hancock Tributary)

Phasing

These projects can be constructed in phases as funding is available.

Status

Preliminary Engineering. Please note that we have not identified funding to move into design or construction phases.

To sign up for email updates, please email Stephanie Lott or call 512-974-2799

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$65.2 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Del Curto Flood Risk Reduction

This project will improve the storm drain system in the South Lamar area and help protect the area from flooding. The existing Del Curto storm drain system straddles South Lamar Boulevard. It consists of 9,300 feet of pipe, a section of open channel and 38 inlets. The system is not large enough to drain the amount of stormwater that it needs to. There are at least 20 buildings, yards and streets at risk of flooding. This project includes:

  • Installing new storm drain pipes or upgrading existing ones on Bluebonnet Lane, Del Curto Road, Delcrest Drive, Iva Lane, Kinney Road, Southland Drive and across properties between Kinney Road and West Bouldin Creek.
  • Adding curb and gutter along part of Bluebonnet Lane.
  • Installing a new roundabout at the Del Curto Road and Bluebonnet Lane intersection.
  • Building a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists on Bluebonnet Lane, between South Lamar Blvd. and Del Curto Road.

View a map of the proposed project or get more information about the South Lamar Boulevard Mobility Program.

Watershed

West Bouldin Creek

Location

This project is entirely on the southeast side of S. Lamar Blvd. near Bluebonnet Lane, Del Curto Road and Thornton Road.

Easements

We have acquired a number of easements, some to provide space for water to flow, some to allow us to install, access, and maintain pipes and other infrastructure.

Status

This project is currently in the Permitting Phase. Construction should begin in 2025.

To be added to the email distribution list, please email Joan Esquivel.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$7.5 million

Documents

Questions?

Glenn Lane/Slayton Drive Storm Drain Improvements

This project will replace a failing storm drain pipe and reduce the risk of flooding. The pipe is located on private property and runs through yards, which makes it difficult to maintain. The replacement pipe will be installed in the right-of-way. This will allow our crews to more easily access it for maintenance. These improvements are expected to reduce local flooding of homes, yards, and streets in this area. View map of proposed project.

Watershed

Little Walnut Creek

Location

This project is in the Georgian Acres neighborhood in the area generally bounded by Glenn Lane, Carpenter Avenue, and Slayton Drive.

Status

March 2025: Gas and telecommunication providers will be relocating their lines to allow for the future installation of the storm drain pipe. This work will start in late March and will take several months, weather permitting.

The project is currently in the permitting and bidding phase. Construction is anticipated to start in the fall of 2025.

To be added to the email distribution list, please email WPDPIO.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost 

$1.9 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Guadalupe St. Flood Risk Reduction

This project will improve the storm drain system in parts of the Hyde Park and North University neighborhoods and reduce the risk of flooding.  We suspect that an entire creek or small tributary was diverted into the storm drain system when the neighborhoods were developed. Roads and possibly structures were built where the water once flowed.

The proposed project includes:

  • Upgrading 20,000 feet of storm drain pipes
  • Optimizing the outfall of the Triangle Pond and its two main headwalls
  • Adding debris blockers at the Triangle Pond outfall
  • Relocating underground utilities as needed.
  • Improvements to water and wastewater lines.
  • Streambank stabilization along Hemphill Branch within the park.

To prevent worsening flooding along Hemphill Branch, the proposal also includes the following:

  • Adding a detention pond in the field next to the Baker Center
  • Adding underground detention
  • Adding two detention basins in the grassy areas of Adams-Hemphill Neighborhood Park and developing a park concept plan. More information about concept planning for the park.

View project map. Note that north is located on the left side rather than the top on this map.

Flood Risk

We estimate 224 buildings are at risk of flooding in a 25-year storm. A 25-year storm in this area is 9 inches of rain in 24 hours and has a 4% chance of occurring. With this project in place, computer modeling shows that 178 of those buildings would no longer flood with that much rain.

Watershed

Waller Creek

Location

General project boundaries are Avenue D, W. 33rd St., Guadalupe St. and W. 47th St., as well as Adams-Hemphill Neighborhood Park.

Phasing

Due to the increasing complexity and cost of the project, we are considering dividing construction into multiple phases. For the general sequence of work, see the implementation plan.

Easements

This project includes acquiring easements along an existing pipe as well as drainage easements within Adams-Hemphill Neighborhood Park.

Status

The project is currently in the design phase.  We do not anticipate allocating funding for construction of Phase 1 sooner than 2027, although we will continue to look for grant funding.

Email Stephanie Lott to receive email updates about the project or call 512-974-2799.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

More than $100 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

January Dr. Flood Risk Reduction

This project will upgrade the storm drain system on January Drive to help reduce the risk of flooding. The current storm drain pipe is undersized and located on private property. The pipe crosses through yards, between houses and under sheds and fences. This makes it difficult to access and maintain.

This project includes decommissioning most of the current pipe and installing a new, larger one underneath January Drive. This new pipe would have more capacity and also be within the public right of way for easier maintenance. The inlets are currently located on January Drive and would remain the same.

The project also includes work on the outfall along Walnut Creek in the buyout area on February Dr. There is a spring at this location, and we will be taking measures to protect it during construction.

There is also erosion along the banks of Walnut Creek in this area. We plan to establish a “Grow Zone” to restore native trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers and help prevent further erosion. There is no mowing within a Grow Zone to help native vegetation become established over time. The project also includes some native plantings.

We are in the process of transferring the buyout area along February Drive to the City of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Flood Risk

Please note that the new, larger storm drain pipe will help reduce flood risk for several homes. However, we cannot make the pipe large enough to meet current City of Austin standards. This is not unusual when retrofitting an older storm drain system. We are constrained by lack of space underneath the street due to the presence of other utility lines and by the limited capacity of the creek. City of Austin standards call for stormwater to be contained within the street during a 100-year storm or 13 inches of rain in 24 hours.

We have previously bought and removed several houses along Walnut Creek on February Dr. to reduce flood risk. We have also removed sediment and vegetation from the detention pond on Walnut Ridge Drive, which will also help.

Watershed

Walnut Creek

Location

The project area includes January Drive, roughly between August Dr. and February Drive. It also includes the green space on February Drive where there used to be houses.

Status

March 24, 2025: We anticipate that construction will begin in early May and take about a year to complete. The first activity is usually preparatory in nature and includes tasks such as putting up silt fencing, painting marks on the streets to indicate the location of utilities and setting up tree protections.

This project also includes relocation of fiber optic and gas lines. This work is done by private utility companies. It's possible that they may start work a little before our contractor. There should not be any disruptions in gas or Internet service due to this work.

Sign up for email updates.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$2.1 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

North Acres Storm Drain Improvements

This project will help protect the North Acres neighborhood from flooding. The neighborhood’s storm drain system is very limited. Stormwater is conveyed to the creek mostly through the streets. However, due to the way the neighborhood slopes, a lot of stormwater also flows from yard to yard. The water may pass through several yards before it reaches a street. Our project will help reduce flooding that is coming from the streets.

This project includes:

  • Installation of storm drain pipes, inlets and outfalls.
  • Restoration of the pavement, including curb and gutter
  • Austin Water's Newport Ave. Pipeline Renewal project

View a project map.

Please note that Austin Water is exploring options to complete the Newport Ave. Pipeline Renewal project sooner.

Ponds

There are three ponds in the North Acres neighborhood. These ponds are on privately-owned land and were not built for drainage purposes. The project will not include improvements to these ponds. Two of the ponds typically hold water. You may not be familiar with the third pond because it looks like part of the creek bed. It does hold some floodwaters, but is too small to provide significant flood benefit. Please also note that the City of Austin does not have the responsibility for the maintenance of these ponds. Resources for pond owners can be found on our Permits and Inspections web page.

Springs

Residents have told us about the presence of springs in the area. We identified multiple springs near Denell Circle and adjusted the proposed storm drain system to protect them.

Watershed

Walnut Creek

Location

This project is within the North Acres neighborhood, generally between Bluff Bend Drive, Floradale Drive and Polecat Creek.

Phasing

This project was divided into two phases. Phase 1 included restoring the street gutters where feasible and has been completed. Phase 2 will include installing underground storm drain pipes.

Status

Phase 2 is currently in the design phase. We anticipate submitting the plans for permitting in toward the end of 2025. Construction is dependent upon the availability of funding.

Email Stephanie Lott to receive occasional email updates about this project.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$17 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction

This project will improve the storm drain system in part of the Oak Knoll neighborhood. This area currently has a very limited drainage system, which is the main reason for flooding in the area. The project consists of installing new storm drain pipes and inlets and improving existing pipes in the following areas:

  • Broad Oaks Dr.
  • Oak Knoll Dr.
  • Woodcrest Dr.
  • Columbia Oaks Dr. (project includes three side by side pipes)
  • Between backyards of houses on Three Oaks Trail and Columbia Oaks Dr.

It also includes improvements to a detention pond on Chelsea Moor near Broad Oaks Drive. We will increase the pond’s capacity by deepening it. We will connect the pond directly to the storm drain system. View a map of the project.

Watershed

Walnut Creek

Location

The project is located between Woodcrest Drive and Jollyville Road and between Broad Oaks Drive and Columbia Oaks Drive.

Status

January 2, 2025: Due to complex utility coordination efforts involving gas line relocation and fiber internet installation, construction for the Oak Knoll Flood Risk Reduction project has been delayed until spring 2025. The scope of the project remains the same, and it is now anticipated to reach substantial completion by late 2027.

The Austin City Council authorized the construction contract on Feb. 15, 2024.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$9 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Oak Park Flood Risk Reduction

This project will reduce the risk of flooding in the Oak Park subdivision. A combination of solutions is needed. The project includes:

  • Updating two existing channels to handle more water and have a natural look where possible.
  • A new offsite channel directing water from the west into one of the updated channels.
  • Enlarging culverts on Parkwood Dr. and Oakclaire Dr.
  • Installing a new storm drain system along Parkwood Dr. and Oakclaire Dr.

View project map.

Watershed

Gaines Tributary of Barton Creek. The area sometimes also receives flow from Williamson Creek.

Location

The project is in Oak Hill in the area by Parkwood and Oakclaire Drives.

Status

This project is currently in the design and permitting phase. Construction for Oak Park is contingent upon upgrading the bridge over Oak Blvd., permitting, easement acquisition and availability of funding. The bridge upgrade is part of the Oak Acres Flood Risk Reduction project.

To receive email updates, please send an email to Joan Esquivel. Read the Nov. 2024 project update.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$9.9 million

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Oakwood Cemetery Storm Drain Reroute

The historic Oakwood Cemetery has experienced severe erosion issues along the existing concrete channel. The channel is undersized, and erosion along it poses a risk to burial sites. This project will redirect stormwater away from the channel to a proposed storm drain system along Comal St. The new storm drain will connect to the existing storm drain system at 13th and Angelina Streets. In addition to reducing the amount of stormwater flowing through the cemetery channel, there will be some reduction in flood risk to residences immediately south of the cemetery.

View project map.

Watershed

Boggy Creek

Location

Within the Oakwood Cemetery and along Comal St. between 13th St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Status

Preliminary engineering was completed in the fall of 2023. This project is currently in design with construction estimated to begin in 2026.

To receive email updates, please send an email to Joan Esquivel.

Opinion of Probable Construction Cost

$4.6 million

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Vassal Drive Flood Risk Reduction

In this area, most stormwater is conveyed by storm drains, ditches/channels, and streets to the Comburg detention pond. Phase 1 includes:

  • Expansion of the Comburg detention pond to increase its capacity,
  • Relocation of the channel on the northeast side of the pond from the middle to the back of private property. This provides residents with increased access to their property and allows for increased channel capacity. A new storm drain will be installed to connect Comburg Drive to the channel.
  • Installation of a section of storm drain on Comburg Drive.
  • Relocation of a wastewater line on Sedgemoor to allow enough space for drainage and wastewater infrastructure.

View project map.

Watershed

Slaughter Creek

Location

The project includes the area generally bounded by Barkwood Drive to the south, Comburg Drive to the east, Rustic Oak Lane to the north, and Wagtail Cove to the west.

Phasing

The project will be designed and constructed in smaller phases. Each phase will be designed and constructed as separate projects.

Status

Phase 1 is currently in design and is expected to last two years. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026.

To be added to the email distribution list, please email WPDPIO.

Documents

Questions?

Please reach out to one of the following people:

Warren St. Flood Risk Reduction

The project will improve the drainage system and reduce the risk of flooding for buildings, yards, and streets. Austin Water is partnering on the project to improve or replace water and wastewater lines in the area.

View map of project.

Watershed

Taylor Slough South

Location

Includes part of the Tarrytown neighborhood in the area along Exposition Blvd., Warren St., Carlton Road, Mountain Laurel Lane and Hillview Road.

Phasing

The project will be designed and constructed in phases.

Status

The preliminary engineering phase is complete and design is expected to start in Spring 2025. The schedule is dependent on current, known conditions and funding availability.

Documents

Questions?

Don’t see your project? It may be considered a creek flooding, erosion or water quality-related project. A complete list of Capital Improvement Program projects is available on Capital Project Explorer.

Projects on Hold

Please note that the following projects have been put on hold indefinitely due to lack of funding:

  • Briar Hill Storm Drain Improvements
  • Burrell Drive Flood Risk Reduction
  • Corona/Broadmoor Flood Risk Reduction