About the District

General The District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, created by order of the Fort Bend County Commissioners’ Court, adopted on July 9, 2002, and operates pursuant to Chapter 49 and 57 of the Texas Water Code.

The District is a conservation and reclamation district created pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 57, Texas Water Code and Article XVI, Section 59 of the Texas Constitution. The principal functions of the District include constructing and maintaining levees and other improvements on, along and contiguous to rivers, creeks and streams within and adjacent to the District; reclamation of lands within the District from overflow from these streams; the control and distribution of the waters of rivers and streams within and adjacent to the District by straightening and otherwise improving them; the provision of proper drainage and other improvements of the reclaimed land within the District and developing and maintaining recreational facilities.

The District contains approximately 2,331 acres of land and is located approximately 22 miles southwest of the central downtown business district of the City of Houston and lies wholly within the boundaries of the City of Sugar Land. The District also lies within the boundaries of the Fort Bend Independent School District. Access to the District is provided by U.S. Highway 59 (Interstate 69) to University Boulevard

May 9, 2019 Update

As most of you know, the National Weather Service and Fort Bend County are expecting intense rainfalls over the next three days, beginning around 7 p.m. tonight.  Given that we received very heavy rain on Tuesday evening, the ground is saturated and any rain will immediately run off into the storm sewers, detention ponds and drainage channels, and then to the 2 pump stations.  Our operator LMS continues to have personnel at the pump stations. The system is operating according to our emergency action plan.

Here are some ways that you can assist and help us drain as efficiently as possible:

  • Bring in any trash cans, bags or other items that could get caught in rising street water. These items can float and block the inlet preventing or restricting any water from entering the storm drains.
  • If you typically have a car parked in the street, consider pulling it up into your driveway as close to your house as possible, or better, into your garage.  Face the engine towards the house.  If unable to pull the car into the driveway, consider asking a neighbor to use any unoccupied space.
  • Be sure to monitor official announcements from Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management (https://fbcoem.org/), the City of Sugar Land, and the National Weather Service for official updates.

District Update – 5/8/19 at 9:30 PM

All pumps are operational at this time. We are working to lower internal water levels in the District in anticipation of potential rainfall in the forecast. The water level in the internal lakes north of US 59 is at approximately 65.8 msl and dropping. We anticipate reaching normal operating levels in this system overnight assuming no further rainfall. In the south system (south of US 59), the internal water level as of this evening was at approximately 65 msl and dropping. We anticipate that we will be at normal operating levels in the south system by Thursday morning. Both drainage systems are functioning as designed and internal water levels are continuing to drop. LMS has an operator on site at both pump stations and will continue to monitor the pumping.

Weather Update – 5/8/2019 @ 10AM

With the severe weather and flooding events in our area, Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 17 would like to update you regarding the current status, as well as the steps being taken to protect the community.  Our Emergency Action Plan is in place and will be followed accordingly. We are in regular contact and coordinating with the City of Sugar Land and Fort Bend County.

The District experienced a substantial localized rain event, with several inches falling in a short amount of time. The District’s pumps are operational and have been since the heavy rain began Tuesday afternoon. The pumps will continue to pump water out of the District until normal levels are achieved. The time to achieve a normal level is dependent on any additional rainfall that might occur as forecasted over the next few days.

Please note the drainage system is designed to utilize streets as an additional detention in heavy rain events to minimize the risk of structural flooding. Report high water on streets and roadways to the City of Sugar Land. Structural flooding should be reported to the City of Sugar Land.

The National Weather Service Gulf River Forecast Center estimates the Brazos River to crest at elevation of 47.2 feet at the Richmond gage. At that elevation, the levee has plenty of freeboard (extra height) available. Our operator, LMS, continues to inspect the District’s facilities including the levee, pump station and internal detention pond.

The National Weather Service is forecasting several additional inches of rain in the Fort Bend County area over the next few days.  There could be isolated pockets of heavy rains. With this forecast, there will still be plenty of freeboard on the levee.  As with Tuesday evening, if the intensity is significant, some street flooding may occur again. Please avoid driving through high water areas and remove all cars, containers and debris from sidewalks and streets. It takes time for the intense rainfall to drain from your yard, to the street, into an inlet, down the storm drains and into the lakes. Once in the lakes, the water will be pumped into the Brazos River. Please report high water on streets and roadways to the City of Sugar Land.

For your safety, please do not stop on any bridges over the Brazos River to look at the flooding or walk or drive through high water.  Look out for dangerous wildlife that has been displaced due to the floods: snakes, fire ants, etc. Do not approach any wildlife that may be in the area.

Please continue to check the websites of the City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and the District for up-to-date information.