Author: FBLID 19

As we have noted, the district has been utilizing trailer mounted pumps to add pumping resources to the pump station. The combination of the existing pump station (working at full power) and these additional pumps have resulted in a significant five foot drop in the water level at Steep Bank Creek (see pics below).

Over the next few days, the district will receive a large amount of rain with the forecasts varying widely. In addition, the Brazos River is now forecasted to crest at 49.9 feet early Sunday morning, essentially reaching the major flood stage. Please know that the levees in our district were constructed to handle this projected river level.

As conditions change we will be updating the website and sending out emails / texts. Please make sure you have signed up for alerts and be mindful of street ponding during strong downpours.

As new storms are approaching the area, we wanted to provide an update on the current state of water in our district.

Fort Bend County LID #19 – The Steep Bank Creek watershed has the four main pumps that are operating as designed. 5 of the 12 trailer mounted pumps are moving water to aid in the speed of water removal. We expect the remaining seven will be deployed throughout the day. We are currently pumping approximately 120,000 gallons per minute (GPM) out of the watershed. The nine pumps currently active have dropped the water level down 2.5 feet from a high on Wednesday morning. Without rain, it will continue to drop about an inch per hour.

Based on the current rain projections and pumping power the district will be able to move the expected water out of the area. However, during periods of downpours, you may experience street ponding as the rain backs up the sewer drains. Always remember to not drive into high waters.

If any of the projections get increased, we will notify you on the website, and through emails and texts.

The LID 19 operator and crew continue to work diligently to deploy the 12 additional pumps at the Steep Bank Creek pump station. As of 6 pm today, 5 of the 12 pumps were fully deployed and operational (see pics below). The crew will continue to work overnight to deploy the remaining 7 pumps, with the expectation that they will become fully operational during that time.

The existing pumps at the pump station continue to operate at full capacity without any issue.

As a matter of safety, Thompson Ferry Road has been closed for public traffic. In addition, as a reminder, the pump station site is restricted to LID personnel — no public access is allowed.

As we receive more information, we will be sure to update you.