What unseen forces does Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 21 near Hutto hold back? This dam stands as a sentinel guarding against the caprices of nature. It is one of the 22 earthen dams maintained by the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District. These dams stretch across Williamson County. They reach from Leander to Hutto.
In 1957, Texas created the Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District. Its purpose was clear. It would provide dams, structures, and projects. These would improve flood prevention. They would conserve and develop water. The original district split in 2001. This division formed the Upper and Lower Brushy Creek WCIDs. Each district then controlled 23 dams.
Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 21 near Hutto plays a crucial role. It helps reduce flood risk. The dam is one of many. These dams protect areas downstream. This protection extends to roads, bridges, and private property. A “high hazard” classification doesn’t mean the dam is at risk of collapsing. It indicates significant downstream infrastructure.
The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District faces considerable challenges. Texas tightened its dam safety regulations. These regulations required high-hazard dams to safely pass 100% of Probable Maximum Flood metrics. By 1999, 19 of the original WCID’s dams were declared high hazard. This required over $90 million in rehabilitation.
Sundt Construction was awarded the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 101 Project. The 34 million dollar project is significant. It is the largest undertaking since the original dams were built. These original dams date back to the late 1950s and 1960s.
The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 101 Project reduces flood risks. It protects over 1000 residents along Lake Creek. This creek stretches five miles. It winds through the Greater Round Rock West neighborhood. It passes the IH 35 frontage roads. It continues to Lake Creek Park. The project improves emergency access. It reduces flood risk at multiple road crossings.
The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 101 includes a 3800-foot-long earth dam embankment. Its maximum height is 40 feet. It features an underdrain system. The dam has two outlet features. The principal spillway is on Lake Creek. It includes a concrete intake structure. It also features a concrete-encased steel conduit. A concrete impact basin completes the structure. The auxiliary spillway includes a concrete labyrinth weir crest. This discharges to a chute and stilling basin. The project requires an earthen cofferdam. It also needs the excavation of 60000 cubic yards of earth and rock.
Today the Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District continues its vital work. It safeguards communities from the threat of floods. The district helps ensure the safety and prosperity of Williamson County. As we stand here, let us appreciate this unsung hero of flood control. Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District Dam 21 near Hutto stands strong watching over us.