Watershed Master Plan Update

Overview

The purpose of this watershed master plan update is to review specific flood-related information that can be used by the City staff in activities related to flood risk preparedness, planning and flood response during emergencies. The scope of this update will also include opportunities for stakeholder input. This includes entities that have drainage roles and responsibilities (such as the Levee Improvement Districts and Municipal Utility Districts) and the citizens of Missouri City.

Citizen Drainage Concern Map

With this map residents can place a pin drop on any location that is a drainage concern for their neighborhood and add a brief description of the issue. There is also an option to add recently taken pictures that illustrate the issue(s) as well. This information will be shared with the watershed master plan consultant. This feedback from citizens is key to this master plan update and will aid in better addressing the concern moving forward.

To mark areas of drainage concern, click this link: Drainage Concern Map 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Watershed?  A watershed is an area of land that directs rainfall runoff to a single outfall location, such as a water body or channel, based on topography or due to underground drainage networks.
  • What is a Watershed Master Plan (WMP)? A Watershed Master Plan, or Drainage Master Plan, is an assessment of all of the existing watersheds in a region, including an evaluation of existing development, major drainage features, runoff conditions and the impact on downstream systems, as well as a plan to handle drainage for future development.
  • When was the last update? The last comprehensive update to the Missouri City Drainage Master Plan was in November, 1987. There have been minor updates made since then.
  • What is the main scope and outcome from this WMP Update?
    • Understanding Missouri City’s Roles and Responsibilities in Drainage
    • Master Plan Assessment: Identify areas within the City’s watersheds that have not been studied in similar efforts by Fort Bend County and other agencies.
    • Complete strategic updates to existing master plans to meet the City’s immediate needs with a focus on emergency preparedness and response.
    • Brazos River Backwater Impacts: Evaluate impacts of backwater from the Brazos River at identified strategic points within the City limits.
    • Inundation Mapping: This update will evaluate what-if scenarios based on local rainfall as well as high Brazos River backwater conditions.
  • Who gives permits to build drainage facilities? The City of Missouri City permits drainage facilities within the City limits. Fort Bend County permits drainage facilities within the ETJ (Extra Territorial Jurisdiction).
  • Does the City maintain all of the drainage facilities within the City Limits and ETJ? No, Missouri City maintains drainage within some areas of the City, but not citywide. Most local drainage systems are maintained by a Municipal Utility District (MUD) or Levee Improvement District (LID). One of the key aspects of this WMP update is to better identify roles and responsibilities for effective management. If you would like to know who maintains your local drainage system, you can contact us at 281. 403.8500.
  • What does the City need to know from residents/stakeholders to help with this study? If you are a representative of a MUD, LID, or other drainage entity, please contact us to receive a copy of a Questionnaire to help us better understand the drainage systems and resources in your jurisdiction. If you are a resident or a business owner within the City, you can submit information about local drainage or flooding concern you may have using the Drainage Concern Map. 
  • Will this WMP update resolve ponding water issues on neighborhood streets after a rain event?  The Master Drainage Plan Study may not directly address this issue. However, the goal of this study is to focus and address drainage concerns for the entire watershed area, with a focus on emergency preparedness and response.
  • How long will the study take? The entire process is expected to take approximately 12 months. One of the key components of this update process is stakeholder feedback. The watershed master plan update is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2021.
  • How can citizens find out within which watershed their property is located? To determine which watershed a Missouri City property is part of, review the map on the City website via this link:  Watershed Map.